Nottingham Forest move for Ousmane Diomande collapses after Sporting dispute

Nottingham Forest's long-running pursuit of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande has collapsed after negotiations between the two clubs broke down.

According to Maisfutebol journalist Bruno Andrade, the proposed transfer is now effectively off following a major disagreement during discussions, despite optimism earlier this week that an agreement was close.

Forest and Sporting had been working towards a deal worth around €40 million, with previous reports suggesting only the payment structure remained to be finalised.

However, Andrade now claims negotiations have completely collapsed after relations between representatives of both clubs deteriorated.

The report adds that only a "major turnaround" would allow Diomande to complete a move to the City Ground before the transfer deadline.

Diomande had been left out of Sporting's pre-season programme while talks with Nottingham Forest continued.

With the transfer now at a standstill, the Ivory Coast international is expected to return to Rui Borges' squad unless negotiations are unexpectedly revived.

The sudden collapse represents a significant change after Portuguese reports had suggested the move was close to completion only days earlier.

It remains unclear whether Nottingham Forest will attempt to revive discussions or switch their attention elsewhere.

Portuguese media have suggested the clubs failed to agree on the structure of the transfer, with reports indicating Forest's negotiating stance contributed to the breakdown.

For now, the Premier League side appear set to miss out on one of their primary defensive targets.

Nottingham Forest must now decide whether to reopen negotiations with Sporting or pursue alternative defensive targets before the transfer window closes. Diomande, meanwhile, is expected to resume training with Sporting unless the situation changes dramatically.