'Also...' - Fabrizio Romano says Forest are 'advanced' for another signing after Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest are advancing on a deal to sign Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate this summer, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

As Steve Cooper gets his team ready for life in the Premier League, there is no denying that new signings are required to strengthen the squad.

Taiwo Awoniyi looks likely to be summer signing number one in a £17.5m deal from Union Berlin, with attention now turning to other positions.

While Forest were impressive defensively last season, conceding 40 times in 46 Championship matches, they are about to come up against a different level of attacking talent.

And it looks as though Cooper is focusing on acquiring a new centre-back, following a fresh transfer update.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano claimed that Forest are working on a deal to bring Niakhate to the City Ground this summer:

“Nottingham Forest are also working to sign Moussa Niakhaté from Mainz – negotiations are advanced.”

Niakhate could be a perfect summer signing for Forest, bringing with him the type of defensive dominance that is required in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old started 29 Bundesliga games for Mainz last season, averaging 2.2 clearances and 1.9 aerial duel wins per game. He also scored four goals for good measure, which is an extra string to his bow at 6 foot 3.

The fact that Niakhate’s current Mainz deal expires next year means they may be willing to sell now, in order to receive a fee for him, making it an ideal situation for Cooper and Co to swoop in.

In other news, Romano has also dropped another key Forest transfer update. Read more here.

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