Nottingham Forest transfer news: Garibaldi in ‘advanced’ talks for defensive prodigy

Nottingham Forest are in line to make their first signing of the summer. The Tricky Trees are progressing in talks for Sporting Lisbon’s defensive prodigy, Ousmane Diomande.

New Forest boss Oliver Glasner has long been an admirer of the young defender, who began his senior career at FC Midtjylland.

Diomande played and started one of Ivory Coast’s four matches at the World Cup as they tasted elimination in the round of 32 to Norway.

Apart from Forest, Chelsea who spent £117m on Morgan Rogers, are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Nottingham Forest transfer news: Forest racing ahead in Diomande talks

According to The Telegraph, Forest have launched a wishful £30m bid for Sporting’s Diomande.

Multiple credible sources have reported on the interest, but according to Sky Sports, no formal offer has been presented to Sporting at this stage.

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old centre-back is understandably high on Forest’s wish list. One of the main reasons is Glasner, who tried signing Diomande during his time at Crystal Palace.

Along with Diomande, Forest are also in talks to sign Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager from RB Leipzig. One of the two is highly likely to become the club’s first major signing of the summer.

FW Verdict: Diomande a powerful addition as Forest eye consistency

Nottingham Forest struggled to sport a proper defensive structure last season, conceding 51 goals and finishing 16th. They escaped the relegation zone by just five points.

Reinforcing the heart of their defence is of utmost importance, with Glasner reportedly planning to implement a three-man backline.

Diomande has improved immensely since joining Sporting in 2023, winning two Primeira Liga titles.  He also won the AFCON with Ivory Coast in 2023.

The presence of national teammate Ibrahim Sangare is also expected play a huge role in the success of this transfer.

Forest have a boost in earnings after the £116m sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.