A round-up of all the latest Nottingham Forest headlines on Tuesday, August 16.
Midfielder has 'contract agreement' with Forest
Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has a ‘provisional contract agreement’ with Nottingham Forest over a summer move to the City Ground, but is stalling on a move, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for the last few transfer windows. Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest in the player, with it said that they were quoted a fee of around £55 million.
Get French Football News now report that Aouar has provisionally agreed terms with Forest, but is ‘looking to play for time’ before completing a move to the City Ground. Forest are not the only team who have been credited with an interest in the midfielder, with Leicester City and Real Betis also linked, although a move to the Spanish club looks unlikely due to La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Joe Lolley departs after four-and-a-half years
Nottingham Forest have announced that Joe Lolley is leaving the club after reaching an agreement to sign for A-League side Sydney FC.
The winger featured at the start of pre-season for Steve Cooper 's side but has since been training with the under-23s after being deemed surplus to requirements. A start against Coventry City in southeastern Spain last month was cut short just after the half-hour mark after requiring treatment and has proved to be his last appearance in Garibaldi.
Lolley has not featured competitively for the Reds since appearing in both legs of the Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United, missing Forest's fourth and final penalty which eventually proved immaterial as Morgan Gibbs-White saw his effort from 12-yards saved by Brice Samba. The 29-year-old was an unused substitute at Wembley for the final.
In a short statement on their website, Forest have wished Lolley well: "The club wishes Joe all the best for the future as he prepares to embark on a new chapter overseas, and thank him for his service during his time at the club."
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Forest 'closing in' on £15m summer transfer
Nottingham Forest are ‘closing in’ on a transfer for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, according to reports.
The Reds have been very active in the transfer window so far this summer. The arrival of midfielder Remo Freuler from Atalanta on Saturday was the 15th new signing of the transfer window as Steve Cooper looks to continue to strengthen his squad.
Reports emerged over the weekend of Forest’s interest in Brighton man Maupay, who has just one year remaining on his deal at the Amex Stadium. The striker was left out of the Seagulls’ Premier League encounter against Newcastle United on Saturday amid speculation over his future.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano , Forest are now ‘closing in’ on a move for the 26-year-old. He adds that a deal will see Forest pay Brighton a fee of £15 million, including add-ons.
Man United make James Garner transfer decision
Manchester United have made the decision to sell midfielder James Garner this summer, something that will come as a major boost to Nottingham Forest’s hopes of signing him.
The 21-year-old impressed on loan with the Reds last season, playing a key part in the club’s promotion to the Premier League at the end of the campaign. His ball into the box caused Levi Colwill to turn the ball into his own net for the decisive goal in the play-off final vs Huddersfield Town back in May.
Forest are keen to bring the midfielder back to the City Ground this summer, but had to wait for Manchester United to make a decision on the player. New manager Erik ten Hag was keen to take a look at the academy graduate in pre-season.
According to our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News , United have now taken the decision to cash in on Garner this summer. It is said that the Red Devils are looking for a fee of between £15 million and £20 million.
