Report: Nottingham Forest now in pole position to sign 22-year-old defender, after Aston Villa links

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Nottingham Forest are in pole position to sign Stade Rennais defender Loic Bade, according to Foot Mercato.

The 22-year-old defender has attracted interest from plenty of teams, including Aston Villa.

The report suggests the central defender is ‘very likely’ to be playing his football away from Rennes this season.

His most likely destination is Nottingham Forest, who are in pole position to sign Bade on a loan deal.

If Bade signs, he’ll have 12 months to impress Steve Cooper as Forest will have an option to buy the Frenchman.

Forest are also chasing a winger on deadline day, who could follow Bade through the door at the City Ground.

Forest in pole position to sign Bade

Nottingham Forest have already strengthened in central defence this summer.

Moussa Niakhtate was brought in from Mainz, however he faces a few months out with an injury.

Cheikhou Kouyate has also been signed on a free transfer, and can play either in defence or midfield.

However, Loic Bade is a natural in that position, but has lost his place at Stade Rennais.

Arthur Theate and Tottenham loanee Joe Rodon have pushed Bade out of the starting line-up.

A move away from Rennes this season therefore makes sense for Bade, as he waits to see if Rennes make Rodon’s deal permanent.

Aston Villa have also been chasing a centre-back in the last few weeks, after Diego Carlos suffered a serious injury.

Southampton’s Jan Bednarek has been a target for Steven Gerrard as the end of the transfer window approaches.

However, they now face competition from West Ham for the 26-year-old.

If Forest stay in pole position to sign Bade, we’ll know in the next few hours if a deal is going to be completed.