Feyenoord reject Nottingham Forest bid for Givairo Read

Nottingham Forest have had an opening bid for Feyenoord defender Givairo Read rejected.

Forest became the first club to make a formal move for the highly-rated 20-year-old, but Feyenoord quickly turned down their proposal.

According to Voetbal International, technical director Dévy Rigaux dismissed the offer on Wednesday. The size of Forest’s bid has not been revealed.

Forest are hoping to win the race for Read, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Paris FC.

The French club reportedly offered more than €20m in January, but Read wanted to remain at Feyenoord until the end of the season.

His position has not dramatically changed. The right-back is not pushing to leave Rotterdam, although he would consider a transfer if the right opportunity arrives.

Forest cannot offer the status of a traditional European giant, but the chance to play in the Premier League could appeal to Read.

The question now is whether the English club return with an improved offer.

Feyenoord have little pressure to sell one of their biggest young talents.

Read is under contract until 2029 and manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst considers him an important player for the new season.

However, a major sale would generate a huge profit. Feyenoord signed Read on a free transfer from FC Volendam in 2023, with his former club not entitled to a sell-on percentage.

The Rotterdam side also have several alternatives at right-back, including Jordan Lotomba, Mats Deijl, Bart Nieuwkoop and Jeremiah St. Juste.

That depth could become significant if Forest return with an offer Feyenoord find difficult to refuse.

Nottingham Forest must now decide whether to return with an improved offer.

Feyenoord are in a strong position and have no need to sell, but Forest’s interest is concrete and Read is attracted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League. A second bid could reveal how serious the English club are about winning the race for the 20-year-old.