Nottingham Forest step up pursuit of Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest are working to complete a €40m agreement with Sporting for defender Ousmane Diomande, with negotiations now at an advanced stage, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The proposed transfer had been slowed by several complications during the past few weeks, leaving the deal in doubt. However, discussions have now taken a more positive direction, and the two clubs are believed to be close to reaching an agreement.

Nottingham Forest are finalising the remaining details of the operation with Sporting as they attempt to bring the transfer to a definitive conclusion. Although the deal has not yet been formally completed, all parties are understood to be confident that the outstanding issues can be resolved.

The potential move would represent an important step in Diomande’s career. The Cote d’Ivoire international could soon make the switch to the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest keen to conclude negotiations quickly.

Diomande is contracted to Sporting until June 2030. His estimated market value is €42m, while his reported annual salary is €3,460,000, equivalent to 2,249,000,000 FCFA.

The 22-year-old defender has established himself as an important asset for the Portuguese club, and his long-term contract has strengthened Sporting’s position in negotiations. The proposed €40m agreement would therefore represent a major investment by Nottingham Forest as they continue their preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

The English club are due to begin their league season against Leeds United. The match will be Nottingham Forest’s opening fixture of the English championship.

Betting company 1xbet has listed Nottingham Forest as the favourites for that game, offering odds of 2.10 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.25, while Leeds United are listed at 3.05 to win.

Those odds are separate from the transfer negotiations, which remain ongoing. Nottingham Forest still have to complete the final stages of the agreement before Diomande’s move can be officially confirmed.

For now, the negotiations appear to have moved beyond the difficulties that previously delayed progress. Sporting and Nottingham Forest are continuing to work towards a final deal, with the English club pressing to secure the Cote d’Ivoire defender before the start of the season.