Nottingham Forest have reportedly reached an agreement with Lyon to sign Malick Fofana. The winger has been heavily linked with a host of top European outfits this summer, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, both clubs appear to have been caught flat-footed in the race to secure his signature, with Forest swooping to attempt to steal a march on their rivals.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nuno Espirito’s side have struck a deal with Lyon for Fofana. The fee agreed at this stage is unclear, but the Belgium international was previously valued at approximately £60million.
Lyon have since been relegated to Ligue 2 after a decision made by DNCG, the body who oversee the accounts of French football clubs. The club announced that they intended to appeal against the decision.
Nevertheless, Forest appear to be in the box seat to sign Fofana, but the door has been left open for a hijack. The 20-year-old has still not agreed on terms with the City Ground outfit as he is biding his time and waiting to see whether any clubs come forward who will be competing in the Champions League next season.
Thus, Liverpool and Chelsea will have the chance to pounce if they act quickly. Bayern Munich and Napoli are also firmly in the race to sign Fofana and have been in contact with Lyon about making an approach.
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