Nottingham Forest defender Loic Bade has emerged as a target for Sevilla, according to reports in Spain.
The centre-back was signed from Rennes in the summer as Steve Cooper ’s side sealed a season-long loan with an option to buy. However, the 22-year-old has found himself quite a way down the pecking order as he failed to feature for the Reds before the World Cup break.
It has been claimed that Forest have opted not to play Bade as it would prevent the defender moving on in the New Year and he has already been linked with several clubs. Sevilla are said to be among his potential suitors and are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Bade next month.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest confirm senior appointments as chairman sets out target
READ MORE: Predicted Nottingham Forest XI to face Blackburn Rovers as Steve Cooper has cup dilemma
It has been stated by Estadio Deportivo journalist Alejandro Saez that Sevilla’s esteemed director of football Monchi will “try to accelerate” a move for the Forest defender. The report comes after Sevilla’s Marcao underwent surgery, leaving the Spanish club eager to find a replacement in the upcoming transfer window.
Saez claims that there is “optimism” that Sevilla can reach an agreement with Rennes over a fresh loan with an option to buy, if Bade’s time at the City Ground is cut short. It is seemingly not the first time that the French defender has been on Monchi’s radar either, with Estadio Deportivo reporting that he was viewed as a possible replacement for Jules Kounde last summer.
Bade’s future has become a subject of debate in recent weeks, with Evangelos Marinakis-owned Olympiacos also touted with a move for Bade . However, Cooper played down speculation over the defender's situations when asked about the centre-back in November.
“It’s one of those things where you just have to work hard and wait for your time,” Cooper said . “When that is, that will be down to a number of factors,.”
The Forest boss added: “He’s a young player who has come from a different country. It’s the Premier League, in England. It’s interesting talking to some of the older foreign boys about how they talk about the Premier League in England being very different to anything else. There’s going to be a natural phase of adaptation for any of them - especially for a young player."
Do you expect Bade to leave in January? Tell us in the comments section.
READ NEXT:
Yates sends message to Forest fans after Player of the Year win
Scarpa plan set out as new Forest signing catches the eye
Cooper 'opens door' for Nottingham Forest transfer
Jason Cummings offers Lionel Messi help in hilarious message
