Nottingham Forest explore January move for Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Nottingham Forest have made initial contact over a potential January move for Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, as Sean Dyche continues to explore midfield reinforcements.

The Nigerian international is emerging as an alternative option alongside Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi, with Forest weighing up the feasibility of a deal during the current window.

According to LaLazioSiamoNoi, Nottingham Forest are assessing multiple midfield targets and have enquired about Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who is available to leave Lazio this month.

Interest in Dele-Bashiru comes shortly after Gianluca Di Marzio reported Forest’s admiration for Davide Frattesi, suggesting Dyche is casting the net wide as he looks to reshape his squad.

Lazio are understood to be seeking €15m plus bonuses for Dele-Bashiru, a figure that reflects his profile rather than his recent output.

The midfielder has endured a stop-start season in Rome, with injuries limiting his momentum before he was called up for the Africa Cup of Nations. He has featured three times at the tournament, a situation that has frustrated Lazio given his lack of continuity at club level.

Dele-Bashiru is not viewed as a core figure under Maurizio Sarri, which has opened the door to a possible exit.

While Nottingham Forest have made enquiries, the report raises doubts over whether a permanent deal is currently realistic due to Financial Fair Play constraints.

A loan move would be more feasible from Forest’s perspective, but that structure may not appeal to Lazio, who are keen to generate immediate funds.

The Serie A club have already sanctioned departures this window, with Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi moved on, underlining their willingness to sell.

Dele-Bashiru is no stranger to English football, having come through Manchester City’s academy before a productive spell at Sheffield Wednesday.

That background makes him an attractive option for Forest, who value players capable of adapting quickly to the Premier League’s physical demands.

Whether Forest formalise their interest will depend on Lazio’s flexibility and Forest’s financial room to manoeuvre. With the Italian club open to sales and Forest still active in the market, the situation remains one to watch as the January window progresses.

Should Nottingham Forest prioritise a proven Premier League profile — or take the risk on Dele-Bashiru’s upside?