Mathieu Peybernes looks set to sign for Real Zaragoza, amid reports Nottingham Forest had reignited their interest in the defender.
The Reds were first linked with the centre-back almost 12 months ago. And last week it was claimed they had reignited that interest - along with Championship rivals Swansea City, who were said to have had a £2m bid for the player turned down last summer.
Some French teams also reportedly had their eye on the 30-year-old.
But Peybernes now appears on course to make the move to Zaragoza, where he spent the second half of the recently-finished season on loan.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, he is negotiating “a friendly termination” of his contract with Almeria, which has a year left to run.
The suggestion is he will then put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Zaragoza, who would have the option to extend by a further year.
As his loan deal came to an end, Peybernes reportedly said in a farewell message, “you have one more Zaragoza player, see you soon”.
The Frenchman, who previously represented his country at Under-21 level, had fallen down the pecking order at Almeria, making just six appearances in the first half of the campaign.
Following his loan move, he featured 14 times in the league and scored one goal as he enjoyed more regular game time.
For Forest, boss Chris Hughton’s priority is to strengthen his attacking resources during the summer transfer window.
But the club have let go of Michael Dawson, along with the out-of-favour Michael Hefele, while there is Premier League interest in Joe Worrall.
Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo and Loic Mbe Soh are the other centre-backs still on the books, while Tyler Blackett can also play there.
Hughton has previously said a loan move could be a possibility for Mbe Soh next term as he looks to build up his experience in English football.
