Nottingham Forest offer revealed as Premier League rivals inflict transfer blow

Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as summer window involves twists and turns for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds

Nottingham Forest appear to have lost out to one of their Premier League rivals in the battle for Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, despite having put forward a better offer.

The Reds were linked with O’Brien earlier this month as they looked to strengthen their defensive resources. Having sold Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala to Lyon, reports suggested the Republic of Ireland international was discussed as an “option” amid Forest’s talks with the French club.https:

It seems former Crystal Palace man O’Brien is indeed set for a return to English football. However, it will not be with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old will have a medical on Monday before putting pen to paper for Everton. He is due to sign a five-year contract.

The Toffees are said to have paid 20 million euros (£17m) to secure O’Brien’s services, with Lyon holding a 10 percent sell-on clause. French newspaper L’Equipe report Forest “made a slightly higher offer” but were unable to secure the player’s “favour”. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ajax also lost out in the race for the defender.

The Reds bolstered their centre-back ranks by signing Nikola Milenkovic earlier this month. The former Fiorentina man is viewed as an important piece of the jigsaw as Forest look to kick on in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Milenkovic joins Murillo, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele as the Reds’ central defensive options ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Nigel Doughty Academy graduate Joe Worrall remains on the books but is expected to move on before the window closes, with Sheffield United still keen on the 27-year-old.