Nottingham Forest are reportedly trying to sign goalkeeper Brice Samba – and one French media source has explained why.
The Caen shot-stopper is also said to be the subject of interest from Reds boss Sabri Lamouchi’s old club Rennes, as well as fellow French side Montpellier.
Forest have already signed highly-rated custodian Arijanet Muric on loan from Manchester City this summer, and also have Costel Pantilimon, Luke Steele and Jordan Smith on the books.
But Lamouchi is said to have been “seduced” by the qualities of Samba.
The 25-year-old impressed for Caen last season, despite their relegation to France’s second division, making 38 appearances between the posts.
And according to Soccerlink, Lamouchi “is seduced by the explosiveness and solidity (of Samba) on his goalkeeper line”.
Get French Football News add that the Reds “moved to accelerate talks” to sign the former Marseille man, whose current contract runs until 2021. They say: “Sabri Lamouchi’s side are hopeful of getting in there quickly to close a deal.”
Pantilimon was first-choice at the City Ground last term, under both former bosses Aitor Karanka and Martin O’Neill, and kept 15 clean-sheets in the Championship.
Doubt was cast over his future, however, when he was left out of the squad for the second major pre-season friendly in a row, against Real Sociedad last week.
“Pantilimon is the same as the last time - it was just my choice to leave him out,” said Lamouchi, when asked about the Romanian’s absence.
Pantilimon has been linked with a move to Olympiacos this summer, and it seems increasingly likely he and/or Steele – who is understood to have been told he is free to move on - will leave the club before the window closes, with Muric set to be No.1.
