Forest close in on Ivory Coast defender Diomande

Nottingham Forest are close to completing a deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international is viewed as a key target for new Forest boss Oliver Glasner, and talks have progressed in recent days.

While a final agreement still needs to be reached, sources indicate a deal between the clubs is now close, with discussions at an advanced stage. Diomande has a £68.2m release clause but Forest are keen to land the central defender for a lower fee.

Glasner is a huge admirer of Diomande and tried to sign him for Crystal Palace earlier. Diomande has made more than 150 senior first-team appearances, including 15 appearances for his national team.