'Deal at final stages': Romano says Nottingham Forest are ready to announce another signing after Henderson

By Lee Connor

Nottingham Forest are close to signing another play, this time in the form of Mainz defender, Moussa Niakhate, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The respected transfer specialist has provided an update on his Twitter account this afternoon to claim that a deal for Forest to sign Nikhate is close. It’s suggested that a few minor details are to be sorted, but once that is done, Forest will announce yet another new signing.

Nikhate’s arrival is another signal of intent from the Forest ownership towards Steve Cooper. The board have already backed him with money to sign Awoniyi, Dean Henderson, and Giulian Biancone. Adding Niakhate only strengthens Cooper’s pack as he looks to keep the Reds in the PL following promotiion.

Much had been said of Forest’s willingness to back Cooper and make a real fist of things this year. And the board, in fairness to them, are responding.

Niakhate, 26, is a French under 21 international with more than 200 career appearances to his name, with over 130 of those coming with Mainz in Germany.

TBR’s View: Niakhate To Forest Is Good News For Cooper

Despite Forest being well drilled at the back and doing well last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish and they needed to add quality.

Bringing in Niakhate is a big signing and a bold move from the club. It gives them another option and a player who at 26 should be coming into his prime years.

Niakhate has also played left-back in his career, and with Forest not signing Max Lowe from Sheffield United, that versatility might prove very handy as the season goes along.