The latest Nottingham Forest transfer news brought to you by NottinghamshireLive on Saturday, June 18.
Handed transfer hope
Mainz director of football Christian Heidel has handed Nottingham Forest a boost in their pursuit to sign Moussa Niakhate.
The Reds are keen to sign the centre-half and have held talks with the 26-year-old over a move from the Bundesliga side to the City Ground. Niakhate has been a regular for Mainz over the course of the previous four years and has only a year remaining on his deal after signing from Metz in 2018
Niakhate, a left-sided central defender, is a target identified by Forest to strengthen one of several areas of their squad this summer to ensure they maintain their Premier League status next season, having gained promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.
Fresh Spence twist
Middlesbrough are said to have not received an official bid from Tottenham for Nottingham Forest target Djed Spence.
The 21-year-old is in high demand after a mightily impressive season with Forest in the Championship, which resulted in the Reds' promotion to the Premier League. He was one of the standout players since head coach Steve Cooper's arrival.
Both Forest and Tottenham are interested in signing the wing-back, though reports have previously suggested he is more interested in moving to north London than back to the East Midlands. But journalist Fabrizio Romano says Middlesbrough are still "waiting to receive an official bid" from Spurs.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Djed Spence on a permanent basis from Middlesbrough.
Spence enjoyed a successful loan spell at the City Ground last season to help Forest secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years with a play-off victory over Huddersfield Town.
The wing-back played a pivotal part in Steve Cooper's side, scoring three goals and five assists, and formed a dangerous partnership with Brennan Johnson on the right.
Premier League squad predicted
After gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years, Nottingham Forest will be looking to add to their squad in the upcoming transfer window.
Forest beat Huddersfield 1-0 in the Championship playoff final in May to secure their place in the top flight for the upcoming season, with Steve Cooper's side securing at least £170m in funds. The Reds have been linked with a host of players including Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and James Gardner - the latter playing a vital role in Forest’s promotion whilst on loan last season.
Another player who played a big part in the Reds’ promotion campaign was defender Djed Spence, though it looks like the wing-back could be moving elsewhere following the end of his loan spell. With two of Forest’s key players potentially not at the club next season, Cooper may be looking to add a big number of new signings to his squad.
