Nottingham Forest are said to have put forward a £7million bid for Salernitana midfielder Lassana Coulibaly.
The Reds were linked with the 26-year-old last week as they plot January reinforcements in a bid to preserve their top-flight status. And they are now said to have taken that interest a step further.
According to Italian media outlet Le Cronache, Forest are “on the trail” of Coulibaly, and have put £7m (8m euros) “on the table” in an attempt to secure his services. It is likely they would have to increase that offer to land him, however.
READ MORE: Forest predicted XI to face Valencia as trio back in contention
READ MORE: Five players whose Forest futures are in doubt ahead of January
Salernitana sporting director Morgan De Sanctis and the club’s hierarchy are reportedly not “tempted” by the Reds’ sum. And it is suggested that a lack of suitable alternatives to replace the Mali international could also be a stumbling block.
Coulibaly joined the Italian side in the summer of 2021 as a free agent, having departed Angers. He came up through the ranks at Bastia, in Corsica, and has previously had loan spells at Rangers and Cercle Brugge.
Former Aston Villa manager Gerrard previously spoke highly of Coulibaly. He said: "Coulibaly is a destroyer type midfielder. I have watched him numerous times and he breaks play up and keeps it simple. He will add a bit of power in the engine room for us."
Forest have already made one January addition, bringing in Brazilian attacking midfielder Gustavo Scarpa. His contract with the Reds will officially start on January 1, when his deal with Palmeiras ends.
The winter window will not be anywhere near as busy as the summer one was at the City Ground. Head coach Steve Cooper has spoken about the challenges which came with making 22 signings in preparation for the step up to the Premier League, but a few more key additions could make a difference to the club's survival bid.
What business should Forest do in the January window? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
