Nottingham Forest's reported first offer made to Mainz in transfer negotiations over Moussa Niakhate has been described as 'ridiculous' and said to have "complicated" the discussions.
The Bundesliga club's captain has been heavily linked with bolstering Steve Cooper's back line this summer with a move rumoured after four years by the Rhine River. NottinghamshireLive understands that Cooper is keen to sign the defender and that the club have held talks with the player.
A former France under-21 international, the 26-year-old has previously attracted interest from other Premier League clubs. Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham United were all linked back in April and now may have the opportunity to re-enter the frame if reports in Germany are to be believed.
