Nottingham Forest are said to have shown an interest in Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as they look to oversee some January transfer business.
The Reds are yet to welcome any new additions to Sean Dyche’s squad since the winter window opened at the start of this month. They have sanctioned one departure so far, with forward Arnaud Kalimuendo having joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
Head coach Dyche has consistently stated he expects it to be a “slow” window at the City Ground. Nevertheless, some incomings and further outgoings are expected before the February 2 deadline.
Nigeria international Dele-Bashiru has now emerged as a target for Forest. According to Italian publication LaLazioSiamoNoi (via Sport Witness), the Reds have asked about the 24-year-old as they assess their options in the centre of the pitch.
It is claimed contact between the two clubs has “been established” and a price tag in the region of €15 million (£13m) plus bonuses has been placed on Dele-Bashiru’s head. The midfielder is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations but it is said such a fee would be “satisfying” for Lazio in order to fund new signings.
However, the report claims Forest are likely to want a loan move with an option to buy included. It is suggested the club ensuring compliance with financial rules could scupper any chance of a permanent switch for Dele-Bashiru to the City Ground.
The midfielder came up through the ranks at Manchester City and also counts Sheffield Wednesday and Turkish outfit Hatayspor as his former clubs. He joined Lazio on a permanent basis almost 12 months ago, following a loan spell.
Dyche’s options in midfield have been somewhat restricted of late but are set to improve. Ibrahim Sangare will return from AFCON, after Ivory Coast were knocked out on Saturday, while Ryan Yates is making progress in his recovery from injury.
The Reds also have Elliot Anderson, Douglas Luiz and Nicolas Dominguez on the books. However, there is speculation about the future of Juventus loanee Luiz amid suggestions he could be recalled. Forest have a conditional obligation to buy included in his deal which is understood to be appearance based, but given the Brazilian’s mixed impact Trentside it may be one they opt not to trigger.
Adding a striker is certainly on the Reds’ to-do list this month. The departure of Kalimuendo has left them short up front given Chris Wood is sidelined and Taiwo Awoniyi has been linked with a move away.
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