Yahoo News Nottingham Forest could take advantage of club's predicament as defender 'eyed up'
Nottingham Forest are said to be keen on Lorient defender Montassar Talbi ahead of the summer transfer window opening later this week.
The Reds’ aim for the summer is to have a squad in place capable of pushing on in the Premier League next season. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s preference is to work with a small group but to have sufficient cover across the pitch.
Central defence is an area Forest are expected to look to strengthen in the coming weeks. And according to French newspaper Le Telegramme (via maligue2), the Reds have their eye on Talbi.
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It is said “no real offer” has yet been made for the 26-year-old, but he has several admirers. Porto, Torino and Verona are also linked with the centre-back.
Lorient reportedly need to oversee some player exits following their relegation from Ligue 1. Talbi could be among the departures, although it seems a move to Italy would be his preference as he has played there before.
The Tunisia international counts Benevento as one of his former clubs. He has also played for ES Tunis in his homeland, Turkish side Caykur Rizespor and Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.
Forest’s reported interest in Talbi comes as the number of clubs monitoring star defender Murillo continues to grow. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the centre-back, with Atletico Madrid the most recent name added to the list.
The Premier League transfer window opens on Friday and clubs will have until 11pm on August 30 to get business done. Incomings and outgoings are on the cards at the City Ground, with the Reds also needing to be mindful of avoiding another breach of the financial rules.
