Nottingham Forest can complete a transfer for Besiktas defender Romain Saiss in the summer if they pay a fee of €5million (£4.4m), according to reports in Turkey.
The Reds were keen to sign the centre-back in the January transfer window, but saw a bid of €3m (£2.6m) turned down by the Turkish side. It means that Forest had to play the waiting game in their wish to sign the former Wolves man.
Saiss joined Besiktas from Wolves on a free transfer in the summer, after spending six years at Molineux. He has been a regular in the starting XI this season but has started on the bench for two of the last three league games.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest keeper branded 'one of the best' by club rival
READ MORE: Everything Steve Cooper has said about his Nottingham Forest future amid latest links
Reports say that the defender will be allowed to leave the club this summer after struggling to adapt to new manager Senol Gunes’ playing system. Besiktas are already said to have signed his replacement by completing the transfer of Omar Colley in January.
Turkish outlet Fanatik now reports that Besiktas have set their price for Saiss at €5m, with the "green light" given for the player to move away from the club when the transfer window opens. It means that Forest will have to increase their bid slightly should they wish to complete a summer move.
Should Forest survive in the Premier League this season, then Saiss will bring experience of the league with him to the City Ground if a transfer is completed. He played a total of 206 times for Wolves during his time at the club, scoring 15 goals from centre-back.
Injuries in recent weeks and months means that central defence is an area where the Reds have been short on this season. Willy Boly and Scott Mckenna remain out with injury, but Steve Cooper ’s side have been given a boost with the return of Moussa Niakhate from injury.
The 27-year-old returned to action in the 2-1 loss against Newcastle United on Friday night, where he conceded a late penalty to see Eddie Howe’s side take all three points from the game.
Would Saiss be a good signing for Forest? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham Forest receive honest Crystal Palace response over Steve Cooper link
- Crystal Palace receive blunt Nottingham Forest response amid Steve Cooper ‘interest’
- Felipe responds to Renan Lodi's 'new moment' as Nottingham Forest ace posts video
- Brennan Johnson backed to deal with Gareth Bale ‘pressure’ after Nottingham Forest heroics
- The latest Nottingham Forest news in one place
