Yahoo News In-demand £17m-rated defender a transfer 'option' for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have reportedly had their eye on Lyon defender Jake O’Brien in what is proving to be a busy transfer window.
The Reds have made a solid start to the summer, overseeing some incomings and outgoings. Three signings have been made so far, with midfielder Elliot Anderson the latest to put pen to paper at the City Ground after joining from Newcastle United.
Just as important as bolstering Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad is the need to trim numbers. Forest have made a start on that front, and further exits will follow.
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Midfielder Orel Mangala and defender Moussa Niakhate are both expected to complete moves to Lyon. And according to The Athletic, the Reds discussed centre-back O’Brien “as an option” in their talks with the French club.
O’Brien remains on Lyon’s books for now but is seemingly not short of suitors. West Ham United and Everton are both said to be among the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on him.
Approaches made for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international so far are said to be based around a £17 million price tag. Crystal Palace will reportedly bank 25 percent of the profit of any sale, following O’Brien’s move from Selhurst Park to Lyon 12 months ago.
Strengthening their central defensive ranks will be on Forest’s to-do list in the remainder of the transfer window. They have until August 30 to get any remaining business done.
With Niakhate’s departure set to be confirmed soon, Murillo, Willy Boly, Andrew Omobamidele, Joe Worrall and Jonathan Panzo will be the remaining centre-backs. However, Worrall and Panzo are expected to be among the group of players to depart before the end of the summer while Murillo has a long list of admirers.
