Nottingham Forest are not usually shrinking violets when it comes to transfer windows and this summer doesn’t look like being an exception.
With the window having been open officially for a matter of days, Forest will prepare to do some business this summer.
Not all of it will be incoming this time around, however, with the Reds needing to raise £20 million to comply with FFP regulations.
Still, if a big departure does take place, Forest will need some reinforcements to come in as replacements.
One man linked with the City Ground exit is Murillo and as a result, the Reds have now been linked with a central defender.
Nottingham Forest want Etienne Youte Kinkoue
According to L’Equipe, Forest are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Le Havre defender Etienne Youte Kinkoue.
The French defender signed for his current club from Olympiacos, with the player leaving Greece without a first-team appearance to his name.
During 2023/24 he burst onto the scene and finished the campaign with 24 appearances to his name.
Le Havre are preparing to lose some of their top talents this summer, with Forest and West Ham keeping track of Kinkoue.
The centre-back has helped Le Havre win promotion back to Ligue 1 since arriving in France but he could now be on the move once again.
Who is Etienne Youte Kinkoue?
Looking at some statistics in comparison to some other Forest defenders, he might prove a useful signing.
Kinkoue has got the chance to play first-team football with Le Havre and he’s certainly regarded as one for the future.
Given how little football Murillo had played when he signed for Forest, however, should ease the scepticism over this one among the fan base.
Squawka shows that Kinkoue made more passes, clearances and interceptions than Willy Boly did last season from roughly the same number of games.
The Ivorian did come on top when it came to headers but that is arguably Boly’s strongest trait.
This deal could be one that Forest could actually wrap up quite quickly this summer if they choose to press ahead.
Le Havre look like losing some of their top talents and right now they’re at the mercy of bigger clubs when it comes to their star men.
Forest will likely look at a central defender during the window and Kinkoue befits the sort of profile that the Reds will likely be looking at.
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