Nottingham Forest face competition from two Premier League teams over the transfer of Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, according to reports.
The forward has been heavily linked with a £15million move to the City Ground in the last few days, with Forest said to be ‘closing in’ on the transfer as Steve Cooper continues to strengthen his squad. Maupay was left out of the Seagulls’ squad for their Premier League game against Newcastle this weekend ahead of a possible move.
But it now seems that the deal might not be as simple as first anticipated. According to talkSPORT, both Fulham and Everton have now joined the race for the player after Forest had a £15m bid accepted by Brighton at the weekend.
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Journalist Alex Crook adds that both clubs are now "pushing" in order to beat Forest to the transfer in a "late twist" in the deal. Should either club match Forest’s bid to Brighton, it is then likely to come down to who can agree personal terms with the player as to who completes the transfer.
Maupay has been with Brighton since joining in the summer of 2019, but was an unused substitute for the club’s opening day win over Manchester United on August 7. He now looks set to move on from the Amex Stadium.
Forest were looking like the most likely destination, but the emergence of both Fulham and Everton may have thrown a spanner in the works. Like Forest, Fulham are looking to strengthen as they return to the Premier League this season.
Everton are on the look-out for a striker following injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The forward has been ruled out for the first part of the season with a knee injury sustained in pre-season.
Will Forest beat Fulham and Everton to the signing of Maupay? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
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