NOTTINGHAM FOREST could lose out to big rivals Leicester for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar after reportedly having a bid rejected.
The France playmaker was linked to Arsenal before Emirates boss Mikel Arteta switched attention to Foxes’ superstar Youri Tielemans.
And it’s claimed in Spain the frontrunners for Aouar are the East Midlands’ two Premier League clubs.
L’Equipe say the 24-year-old is open to a switch after being eyed by Prem clubs for three summers in a row.
And with only one season left on his contract, Lyon are expected to finally offload their prize asset.
Promotion-winning Forest boss Steve Cooper has already signed four midfielders this transfer window.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
That’s part of a £100million spree on 12 new players.
But Forest failed to gel in Saturday’s opener, a 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
And Cooper hopes to add real quality to assist star recruit Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.
Leicester, though, now appear favourites for Aouar, whose only full cap came two years ago.
Most read in Football
Missing out on such a technically-gifted player would be the second transfer blow for Forest in two days.
Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, 29, U-turned on moving after his Spanish club agreed a £9m fee.
Leicester, meanwhile, have loaned midfielder Hamza Choudhury to Watford for the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
