Sporting CP slap €40 million price tag on Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest remain locked in negotiations with Portuguese champions Sporting CP over the signing of Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande, with the Premier League club determined to strengthen its defence ahead of the new season.

However, any deal for the highly-rated centre-back is expected to come at a significant cost, as Sporting have made it clear they will not entertain offers below their asking price.

According to reports, the Lisbon-based club are demanding a minimum guaranteed fee of €40 million before they will consider sanctioning the departure of one of their most prized defensive assets.

Despite Sporting’s firm stance, Nottingham Forest are said to remain confident that an agreement can eventually be reached, with discussions between the two clubs continuing.

The Premier League outfit views Diomande as a key target as they seek to reinforce their backline with a young defender who has already established himself at both domestic and international level.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the most highly regarded central defenders in Portuguese football since joining Sporting, earning widespread praise for his composure in possession, physical dominance and ability to read the game.

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe, with several clubs monitoring his progress over the past year.

Among the teams previously linked with the Ivorian was Crystal Palace, where interest in the defender emerged during Oliver Glasner’s spell in charge at Selhurst Park.

Now at the helm of Nottingham Forest, Glasner is reportedly eager to reunite with Diomande, believing the defender possesses the qualities needed to strengthen Forest’s defence and fit seamlessly into his tactical system.

The Austrian manager is understood to be a long-time admirer of the Ivory Coast international and sees him as an ideal addition as Forest prepare for another challenging Premier League campaign.

Diomande’s blend of strength, pace and technical ability has made him one of Africa’s brightest defensive talents, while his consistent displays for Sporting have significantly boosted his reputation on the European stage.

For Sporting, the defender remains an integral part of the squad, explaining why the Portuguese champions are refusing to lower their valuation despite growing interest from England.

The club is under no immediate pressure to sell and is determined to secure maximum value should Diomande eventually leave Lisbon.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, remain optimistic that ongoing negotiations will produce a breakthrough, although they may need to improve their financial package to satisfy Sporting’s demands.

Should the move materialise, it would represent one of Forest’s biggest signings of the summer transfer window and hand Glasner a defender capable of anchoring the club’s backline for years to come.

With talks progressing but no agreement yet in place, the coming days are expected to be crucial as both clubs continue discussions over a transfer that could see one of Africa’s most promising defenders make the switch to the Premier League.