Newcastle United have joined Nottingham Forest in the race to sign former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to reports in Italy.
Forest were credited with interest in the 27-year-old earlier in this month as Steve Cooper continues to restructure his squad at the City Ground. Bakayoko is currently halfway through a two-year loan with AC Milan after struggling at Chelsea.
Previous reports suggested Milan had held "new talks" with Forest over a move to the East Midlands, but speculation went quiet following the arrival of Remo Freuler from Atalanta. Now, with two days remaining of the summer transfer window, Bakayoko could still make a return to the Premier League.
Read more: Nottingham Forest 'really close' to completing 19th signing as talks enter final stages
Read more: Manager reveals winger chat amid Nottingham Forest transfer link
According to Calciomercato (via Sky Sports), Newcastle have joined the hunt to sign Bakayoko as Eddie Howe aims to add further reinforcements to his midfield. Bakayoko has been an unused substitute in all three of AC Milan's league games this campaign, with Ismael Bennacer and Sandro Tonali preferred by Stefano Poli.
The report also states that Serie A newcomers Monza are also keen on the former France international. Sky Italy have claimed the newly-promoted side are leading the race after his agent and Milan directors discussed their options
There are two different options for interested clubs to sign Bakayoko. One being that they could loan the player from Chelsea if Milan succeeded in cancelling their current deal. The second option would be to sign him on a free transfer if he terminated his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Do Forest need Bakayoko? Have your say in the comment section...
READ NEXT:
Nottingham Forest transfer news LIVE: Boly latest, loan confirmed, Steve Cooper verdict
Pundits agree on ‘worrying’ Nottingham Forest outcome against Man City
Tottenham star Richarlison bites back at Nottingham Forest criticism with two-word jibe
Richard Keys weighs in on controversial Tottenham moment at Nottingham Forest
