Nottingham Forest considering move for defender – Oliver Glasner revisits old Palace target

Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande. And to the Portuguese club there is a familiar face behind the interest.

According to Record, the Premier League club have identified the 22-year-old as a defensive target. This will only be if either Murillo or Nikola Milenkovic leaves this summer.

While no formal bid has been submitted, the Portuguese newspaper reports the subject has already been discussed between the two clubs.

The report also explains why Forest’s interest has emerged now.

Glasner returns for Diomande

Oliver Glasner, who recently took charge at the City Ground after leaving Crystal Palace, is once again looking at Diomande after failing to sign him a year ago.

During his time at Selhurst Park, Glasner pushed for the Ivory Coast international as Palace sought defensive reinforcements. However, Sporting refused to soften their stance.

Record says the Portuguese club wanted at least €50m (£43m) before they were prepared to sit down for negotiations, a figure Palace considered excessive at the time.

Now Glasner is back for another attempt, this time with Nottingham Forest.

Sporting remain in a strong position

Although discussions have already taken place between the clubs, Record stress that no proposal has yet arrived. Furthermore, Sporting are under little pressure to accelerate matters.

Diomande signed a new contract until 2030 last year and remains protected by an €80m (£69m) release clause. Therefore, the Portuguese champions are in a comfortable negotiating position.

Forest therefore appear to be assessing the situation rather than rushing into formal talks. Whether that changes could depend on movement elsewhere in their squad.

Record state that Diomande would become a much stronger option if Murillo, who is currently injured, or Milenkovic were to leave before the transfer window closes.

For now, Glasner’s admiration for the defender has survived his move from Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest. The club have opened lines of communication, but the next step will require them to decide whether they are prepared to match Sporting’s demanding valuation.