John Percy has now delivered an update on a Nottingham Forest deal that is set to go through in the coming days.
The Reds are trying desperately to offload players as they aim to comply with financial fair play regulations.
PSR is making lots of Premier League clubs nervous and Forest will want to avoid another points deduction next season.
With just days remaining for clubs to balance their books as part of the latest cycle, Forest are now set to act.
A host of Forest players are wanted by top clubs but now a surprise deal looks set to come to the rescue for the Reds.
John Percy delivers update on Forest star Moussa Niakhate
This one has come out of the blue somewhat.
It’s been claimed this morning that Lyon are keen to sign Moussa Niakhate as Forest look to readdress the balance of their squad – and their finances.
Now, Percy believes that Niakhate is edging very close to a move to Lyon with the Reds set to recoup £20 million for the player.
Niakhate signed for Forest for a fee in the region of £9 million after promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
He was injured in the first home game of 2022/23, tearing his hamstring off the bone and missing seven months of action.
Last season was a little more fruitful, with the 28-year-old making 24 appearances in all competitions.
Niakhate scored the only goal of his Forest career during a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa but now he looks set to depart the City Ground.
He was called ‘Solid’ by Boulaye Dia back in September and his style of defending is typically strong and intelligent.
Niakhate departure means new central defenders are required
This undoubtedly leaves the Reds short defensively and with Murillo also in the sights of other clubs, surely another defender will be added.
Selling Niakhate does make a bit of sense though.
It means that Forest won’t have to sell one of their prized assets on the cheap and will also allow the club to avoid a points deduction.
Niakhate has endured a number of niggling injury problems during his time at Forest and with that in mind, the decision looks to have been made.
The Senegal international has proved a sound addition to the Forest ranks during his career.
However, the financial situation means it’s now a case of needs must and Niakhate looks set to swap Forest for Lyon.
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