Nottingham Forest target Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande, but Sporting CP are determined not to let the defender leave without meeting their valuation during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League club have identified the Sporting centre-back as one of their priority defensive targets as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. However, negotiations have yet to begin, with no formal offer currently on the table.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner is a long-time admirer of the 21-year-old defender and is keen to bring him to the City Ground.

The report states that Glasner previously attempted to sign Diomande while he was in charge of Crystal Palace. At the time, the Austrian coach reportedly viewed the Ivorian as a potential replacement following Marc Guéhi’s move to Manchester City.

Now leading Nottingham Forest, Glasner is said to have revived his interest in the Sporting defender as he looks to reinforce his back line before the new campaign.

Despite Forest’s admiration for the player, Sporting remain in a strong negotiating position. The Portuguese champions moved earlier this year to secure Diomande’s long-term future by extending his contract until 2030, a decision that strengthened their position ahead of anticipated transfer interest.

As a result, Sporting are under no immediate pressure to sell one of their key defenders and are prepared to demand a significant transfer fee before entering discussions.

According to Record, the Lisbon-based club are seeking around €50 million before they are willing to begin negotiations over the player’s future.

That valuation could prove to be a major obstacle for Nottingham Forest, who would need to match Sporting’s financial expectations if they are to make meaningful progress in their pursuit.

Forest may also face stiff competition for Diomande’s signature. The defender has attracted interest from several other clubs, including Premier League sides Bournemouth, Chelsea and Leeds United.

The growing list of admirers reflects Diomande’s reputation as one of the most highly regarded young central defenders currently playing in Portugal.

For now, Sporting remain firm in their stance and appear reluctant to entertain offers below their asking price. With Diomande tied to a long-term contract, the Portuguese club are in a position to dictate the terms of any potential transfer.

Unless Nottingham Forest decide to formalise their interest with an offer that satisfies Sporting’s valuation, the Ivory Coast international is expected to remain in Lisbon as speculation over his future continues throughout the transfer window.