Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmande Diomande, according to John Percy.

Forest are looking to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League campaign in 2025/26 as they narrowly avoided relegation, while they also reached the Europa League semi-finals before being defeated by eventual winners Aston Villa.

The club have since reacted by sacking manager Vitor Pereira and appointing Oliver Glasner, and the Austrian has now identified the Ivorian defender as his top target to bolster his back line.

Nottingham Forest in Advanced Diomande Talks

Diomande, who has been described as ‘phenomenal’, has been targeted as the new manager wants to revert to his back three system that he used to great success at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League in a 12 month period before leaving at the end of his contract.

Forest have tabled a £32m bid to sign the 22-year-old, who has won two Primera Liga titles with Sporting already in his short career, and Glasner believes he could be the ideal addition to the back line, in a position that he has made a priority to strengthen.

Negotiations are progressing between the two clubs, and the Tricky Trees are keen to wrap up a deal while they are on their pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Diomande is an international teammate of Forest midfield star Ibrahim Sangare, which will surely help him settle in at the City Ground, and the hope is that he can slot into the defence alongside the likes of Murillo to make the team more difficult to beat.

Glasner is a big fan of the centre-back, having previously been heavily linked with a move to take him to Crystal Palace, although a deal never materialised last summer.

Diomande a Huge Coup

Aston Villa could have a new face between the sticks next season amid speculation linking Emiliano Martinez with an exit.

Juventus are one of the clubs reportedly keen on signing Martinez, who has been Unai Emery’s number one throughout his reign. The veteran Argentine’s future will be sorted out now that the World Cup has concluded.

Several names have been talked up as potential replacements for the 33-year-old as the Villans anticipate another big-name departure. Youri Tielemans has headed to Manchester United while Morgan Rogers is on the brink of completing a move to Chelsea.

Aston Villa ‘intensify negotiations’ for Atubolu

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Villa could turn to Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, although the German goalkeeper is in high demand. Fussballdaten reports that the West Midlands outfit face competition from Bournemouth, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Atubolu is a familiar face as he endured a difficult night in last season’s Europa League final against Emery’s side. He picked the ball out of the net three times as the Villans beat the Bundesliga club 3-0.

It must be said that the 24-year-old wasn’t helped out by his defence, and he’d otherwise enjoyed a fine season. With 12 clean sheets in 50 games and some eye-catching performances, his stock has grown, with the Bundesliga website praising his efforts.

Freiburg are believed to value Atubolu, praised for his ‘lightning’ reflexes at around £21.2million to £25.5million and they might view this as the opportune time to cash in. He has just one year remaining on his contract and a move to Villa Park is a real possibility.

Villa are expected to make an “attractive offer” for the German after already intensifying negotiations. They believe he has the tools to be an ideal fit in Emery’s squad, although it’s unclear whether he’s viewed as a first or second-choice shot-stopper.

The two clubs have recently done business which could help aid a pursuit. Johan Manzambi has replaced Rogers in a deal worth around £60m.

Why Villa might be cautious over Atubolu

Replacing Martinez will have to happen sooner rather than later and Villa are already heading into a new era with a new-look team. Atubolu has performed well at Freiburg and could be a viable option to replace the Argentine.

Atubolu has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, including breaking the record for the most penalties saved in a row. He stopped five spot-kicks, which could be enticing for Emery as he bids to win silverware.

That said, a lack of Premier League experience is always a concern when moving for a goalkeeper from abroad. There’s a tad bit of risk involved as some can’t handle the physicality and constant high balls.

Atubolu isn’t the only name to be linked with Villa, as Parma’s Zion Suzuki is reportedly also on Emery’s shortlist. The Japanese shot-stopper has just come off an impressive World Cup campaign and is tipped for a bright future.

Laurie Whitwell has given an update on Manchester United‘s transfer plans and particularly whether they will move for a new left-back.

The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall, who could be Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement. Reports claim that the Englishman prefers a move to Old Trafford over a return to Chelsea.

Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Hall after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for around £170 million. The Magpies don’t want to sell the 21-year-old and are reportedly demanding £80m given he still has three years left on his contract.

Man Utd Stance on Hall Revealed

via Reuters

While United admire Hall, there is a chance that they don’t make a move for the young full-back. Michael Carrick has several versatile players in his squad, which could mean he heads into next season without the arrival of a new left-back

That’s what Whitwell suggested in The Athletic‘s Deal Sheet: “As well as left-wing options, United have looked at potential left-backs, with people at the club liking Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. But Rashford’s return and Dorgu’s position have an impact there, while Leny Yoro was deployed at right-back in Helsinki, possibly raising the prospect of Noussair Mazraoui switching to an option at left-back, where he played for Morocco.”

Patrick Dorgu arrived at United under Ruben Amorim and was deployed as the left wing-back before moving to the left wing under Carrick. He could be used as a makeshift left-back if Shaw needs to be rotated.

It appears that Carrick’s coaching staff also view Noussair Mazraoui as an option, which might not be too enthusing for fans. While the Moroccan has proven to be useful since joining from Bayern Munich, he has blown hot and cold.

Man Utd Must Go All Out For Hall

United are focused right now on signing a third new midfielder following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. AS Roma’s Manu Kone is at the top of their wishlist amid reports suggesting they could make a £47m offer for the Frenchman.

Once a third midfield signing is made, the transfer chiefs will turn their attention to other areas of Carrick’s squad. That includes left-back, where they should do all they can to land Hall.

Shaw is now 31 and, despite playing every league game last season, will eventually need replacing. Hall is the ideal heir as he possesses a similar profile and can take the position from his compatriot.

United should be backing Carrick with a squad that can compete for major trophies, and this is the kind of deal you get sorted. Even if it means paying a hefty fee, it is a signing that sorts out the left-back position for potentially the next five or more years.