Nottingham Forest have reportedly had a bid turned down for Montpelier defender Maxime Esteve.
The centre-back made his breakthrough for the Ligue 1 club at the start of last season, making 24 appearances. Esteve has kept his place this term after impressing in his debut campaign, missing just three league games, and the young defender is seemingly attracting interest from elsewhere.
Forest have been linked with a move for a new defender this month after agreeing to cut short Loic Bade’s loan spell and losing both Moussa Niakhate and Giulian Biancone to long-term injuries. Steve Cooper’s side are said to be targeting a deal for Esteve but have seemingly been dealt a setback.
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French outlet L’Equipe has reported that Forest have seen an €11 million (£9.7m) offer “turned down” by Montpellier. The story is relayed by Sport Witness , who identify the Reds’ desire to sign a new centre-back.
Montpellier are seemingly determined to hold on to Esteve until at least the end of the season, though. Forest are claimed to be facing competition from Brighton and Italian side Sassuolo for the France Under-20 international, with both clubs reportedly taking “concrete steps” to express their interest.
L’Equipe mentions that an unnamed German side are also keeping tabs on Esteve’s situation but that Forest are the first club to make an offer. Cooper has been open about his thoughts on the January transfer market, with the club said to be targeting moves for a centre-back, defensive midfielder and striker this month.
“We will need to (sign new players), and want to, for sure,” Cooper said, last week “I’m not sure if anything is imminent, if I’m being honest.” He added; “If there’s something we think can improve us and the club want to do it, and we all want to do it, then great. I think that will be a real positive.”
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