Yahoo News Nottingham Forest show 'firm interest' in £25m-rated teenager as transfer stance set out
Nottingham Forest have shown “a firm interest” in teenage Real Betis winger Assane Diao.
Bringing in young talent with the potential to develop and increase in value is expected to be a key feature of the Reds’ transfer strategy this summer. They have already signed 18-year-old Eric da Silva Moreira from St. Pauli in a deal worth about £1.25 million.
According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Diao is another youngster now on Forest’s radar. They are said to have become the first club to show a “firm interest” in the player.
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It is said the Reds would be “willing to negotiate” a loan for the Spain Under-21 international, with an option to buy included in the deal. Including an obligation to buy, depending on certain conditions being met, would also be a possibility.
However, Relevo add the final amount Forest would pay would be less than the 30m euros (£25m) release clause in the player’s contract. Moreover, Brentford did not get anywhere with a 25m euros (£21m) bid for the 18-year-old in January.
There is plenty of interest in Diao after a breakthrough season in Spain, with admirers in Saudi Arabia also keeping tabs on him. Amid all the talk, the player and Betis are reportedly “keeping calm” in anticipation of a “busy” summer.
Forest have been linked with several wide men as they look to bolster head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking ranks. When Moreira signed, chief football officer Ross Wilson said of the new recruit: “We have a number of exciting young players in our squad already and we are pleased that Eric is another young player with high potential who we are excited to add to our ranks.”
Moreira became the second summer arrival Trentside when he put pen to paper earlier this week. Midfielder Marko Stamenic was the Reds’ first summer signing, although he will spend the upcoming season on loan at fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned side Olympiacos.
