Exclusive: Nottingham Forest to sign new centre-back soon

Nottingham Forest will look to sign a new centre-back in the coming weeks after Moussa Niakhate’s exit, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that a new centre-back is at the top of Nuno Espirito Santo’s list of priorities in the transfer window.

Niakhate moved to Lyon in a deal worth £27million on 4 July, and Football Insider revealed Forest stalwart Joe Worrall will be the next out of the door.

With Evangelos Marinakis keen to spend big on his squad this summer, those exits have made room for investment in the defence.

Nottingham Forest to sign new centre-back after Niakhate exit

Should Worrall follow Niakhate out of the door at the City Ground, Espirito Santo will be left with just three senior centre-backs to pick from.

As revealed by Football Insider, Murillo has also been the subject of interest from the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool this summer.

Forest could be left with a new-look defensive line next season after a chaotic transfer window, but the sales of Niakhate and Orel Mangala mean they will not be forced to sell.

Football Insider also revealed in June that talks with Aston Villa had begun over a potential deal for young defender Lamare Bogarde as they reach out to initial targets.

As things stand, Forest are prioritising a move to sign a new forward given their concerns surrounding Taiwo Awonyi’s fitness, but the need for a centre-back has become more prevalent.

Both Marinakis and Espirito Santo are targeting new arrivals in defence after clearing their concerns surrounding profit and sustainability rules through sales before 30 June.

In other news, West Ham and Everton have made moves to sign a Serie A star.

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