West Ham and Leeds-linked Yohan Benalouane hints at future

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Yohan Benalouane has told Nottingham Forest’s official website that he is “really enjoying” life at Nottingham Forest, despite being linked with a move to Leeds United and West Ham United.

Benalouane, who turned 32 on Thursday, joined Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window from Leicester City. He managed just 29 outings for the Foxes since his £5.6million (TalkSPORT) move in the summer of 2015.

He has impressed in the early stages of his career at the City Ground. The powerful defender has helped Forest win three games, keep three clean sheets and even score in the bitter rivalry with Derby to win 1-0.

French outlet Foot Mercato claim Leeds and West Ham, as well as Cardiff City, are interesting in the five-time Tunisia international. But Benalouane stated that he is happy at Forest ahead of potential summer interest.

“I feel that this is what the supporters want and when they all come here to The City Ground, you can feel it. For us, this is amazing and I am really enjoying my life here,” Benalouane said.

TBR’s view

Benalouane has plenty of traits that a traditional centre-back needs. Powerful in the air, strong in the tackle and he certainly reads the game well, organising those around him.

However, Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play is far from traditional. The Argentine likes players who are comfortable on the ball, and defenders that can pass like a midfielder.

Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson have shown they can do just that this season. Does Benalouane have the passing ability of the aforementioned duo? No. But, perhaps, Bielsa wants another option at the back.