New challenge
New signing Fouad Bachirou says he is looking forward to stepping out of his “comfort zone” after joining Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Reds, joining from Swedish side Malmo as the club’s fourth summer addition.
It will be the 30-year-old’s first taste of Championship football, although he has previously played for Scottish side Greenock Morton.
Bachirou started out at PSG as a youngster and has also played for Ostersunds, in Sweden, as well as representing Comoros at international level.
Freeman latest
Nottingham Forest are reportedly hopeful of bringing attacker Luke Freeman to the City Ground.
The Reds have recruited Jack Colback, Tyler Blackett and Lyle Taylor this summer, and today made Fouad Bachirou their fourth new addition.
And, according to The Sun, there is a “big hope” they could sign Freeman as Sheffield United “could let him out on loan”.
The Blades have been among the clubs targeting Matty Cash, and it was believed the Reds would look to include Freeman heading in the opposite direction as part of any deal for their star right-back.
Friendly result
Nottingham Forest lost 2-1 to Port Vale in their second run-out of pre-season.
Youngster Alex Mighten, fresh from signing a new long-term contract, opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half.
But Vale hit back through Theo Robinson and a Forest own goal to take the win.
The behind-closed-doors practice match was played at Loughborough University, where Sabri Lamouchi’s side are based this week as they build up to the new Championship campaign.
Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest want Newcastle United winger on a season-long loan, it has been revealed.
The Reds along with Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County, have all been linked with a move for the Toon’s £10m man, while Glasgow Rangers are understood to want him to replace Ryan Kent, should he move to Leeds United.
Football Insider claim Forest have lodged a bid to sign Murphy for the length of the 2020/21 campaign, which the Reds hope will end in promotion to the Premier League.
Wednesday chief Garry Monk is desperate to see Murphy back at Hillsborough, but Tyneside chief Bruce is keen to have a closer look at the 25-year-old before making any transfer decision.
