Nottingham Forest reportedly considered trying to sign Sheffield United ace Iliman Ndiaye during the summer.
It was a busy transfer window for the Reds as they prepared for life in the Premier League. Owner Evangelos Marinakis sanctioned a significant spending spree which saw 22 signings made - albeit three of the new faces immediately went out on loan.
A number of players had headed in the opposite direction, leaving gaps to be filled, while head coach Steve Cooper also needed to strengthen in all areas ready for the step up in divisions. In addition to those who did put pen to paper, Forest had plenty of other targets and names on their radar for whom a move Trentside did not materialise, with Ndiaye said to be among them.
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The Reds “seriously considered” making a bid for the Blades attacker, according to The Athletic. It is claimed his strong end to last season, including against Cooper’s side in the play-offs, “did not go unnoticed”.
Viewed as competition for Brennan Johnson, Forest apparently believed Ndiaye would be available for £4-5 million. They eventually decided to turn their attention elsewhere, however, bolstering their attacking resources through the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Jesse Lingard, Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis.
It remains to be seen whether they cast their eye in the 22-year-old’s direction again come January, with interest in him expected to grow. He has 18 months left to run on his contract at Bramall Lane, and it is claimed the Blades are likely to need the cash boost which comes with promotion to afford being able to sanction a new deal.
Currently representing Senegal in the World Cup, Ndiaye has bagged nine goals in 21 appearances for United so far this term. He ended last season by being moved up front, and responded by finding the net four times in his last seven games.
Despite their summer overhaul, the Reds could turn to the market again in January to boost their survival bid. However, it will be a much quieter window this time around.
Attacking midfielder Gustavo Scarpa has already spoken about his impending move to the City Ground. He is due to link up with Forest in the new year, having signed a pre-contract agreement, and has confirmed he has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal.
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