Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, with head coach Oliver Glasner reigniting his long-standing interest in the Ivory Coast international.
The Premier League club are exploring defensive options ahead of the new season, although any move is expected to depend on potential departures from the City Ground.
Glasner renews pursuit
Glasner is no stranger to Diomande.
The Austrian previously tried to bring the 22-year-old to Crystal Palace but was unable to convince Sporting to lower their demands.
Now in charge at Nottingham Forest, Glasner has identified the centre-back as a potential reinforcement once again.
According to reports in Portugal, Forest have already held preliminary discussions with Sporting, although no formal offer has yet been submitted.
Sporting hold strong negotiating position
Sporting are under no pressure to sell one of their key defenders.
Diomande signed a new contract last year that runs until 2030 and includes an €80 million (£69 million) release clause.
The Portuguese champions reportedly value the defender at no less than €50 million (£43 million) before they would even consider entering negotiations.
That valuation proved too high for Crystal Palace a year ago and could once again present a major obstacle for Glasner.
What's next?
Nottingham Forest are expected to continue monitoring Diomande's situation while assessing the futures of Murillo and Milenković.
Should either defender leave before the transfer deadline, Glasner could step up his pursuit of one of his long-standing transfer targets, although Forest would likely need to submit a significant offer to persuade Sporting to negotiate.
Would Ousmane Diomande be the ideal long-term replacement if Nottingham Forest lose one of their star centre-backs this summer?
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