Nottingham Forest are in talks with Sporting Lisbon over a potential transfer for centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with both clubs aiming to reach a conclusion this week, Portuguese media outlets report.
The 22-year-old Ivorian has been allowed to miss Sporting’s pre-season preparations as speculation about his next destination continues, though sources suggest a breakthrough could come shortly. He is scheduled to be back at the Portuguese club’s facilities on Tuesday.
His valuation sits at approximately €40 million, though the main obstacle centres on the initial payment structure and whether additional amounts should be included in future add-ons.
Crystal Palace had shown interest in Diomande during Oliver Glasner’s tenure, and the Austrian’s current employers now appear best placed to complete a move.
Reports indicate Forest have already secured agreement on personal terms with the player and are awaiting Sporting’s board approval before travelling to England to begin his Premier League career.
According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, the transfer remains on track, though Sporting president Frederico Varandas is looking to resolve remaining specifics this week. The Portuguese side want a guaranteed €40m with a further €5m in performance-related adds.
Forest faced Sporting in a friendly match on Friday, suffering a 4-1 defeat. Diomande was absent from the matchday squad. It is also understood Glasner is looking to strengthen his squad with a wing-back and a forward.