Glasner Revives Long-Standing Interest

Nottingham Forest have made contact with Sporting regarding Ousmane Diomande, reigniting a pursuit that stretches back to Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace days. The Austrian tried unsuccessfully to sign the centre-back before, and he now leads the charge again at the City Ground.

Sporting insist no formal bid has landed yet, keeping negotiations firmly at the discussion stage. Forest, however, appear ready to move decisively. Reports suggest the club will offer around €40 million, a figure well below Diomande’s €80 million release clause but broadly in line with recent valuations circulating in Portugal.

Glasner’s motivation makes sense tactically. He wants to deploy a back three next season, and Diomande’s physical dominance suits that system perfectly. The 22-year-old has made over 130 appearances for Sporting, winning two league titles while developing into one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders.

His profile extends beyond club football too. Diomande represented Ivory Coast at the World Cup, further raising his stock among interested suitors. Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds have all been linked previously, though Forest’s advances now appear the most concrete.

Funds remain available following Elliot Anderson’s blockbuster £116 million exit to Manchester City. Consequently, Forest possess genuine spending power, even against a release clause that would otherwise price out most challengers. For continued transfer breakdowns throughout the window, head to our blog for daily coverage.

Sporting Hold Firm For Now

Sporting remain under no real pressure to sell, given Diomande’s contract runs until 2030. Still, past history suggests they’ve occasionally softened their stance for the right offer.

Progress should become clearer soon, according to reporting via Sky Sports. Expect further movement as Forest’s preseason continues.