Deal close: Nottingham Forest now one step away from signing Ousmane Diomande
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Published Aug 2, 2026, 4:10 PM GMT+1
Dominic is a news journalist for Football FanCast, having graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2022, achieving a first-class honours degree in Sports Journalism.
Since leaving university, Dominic has written for websites including GiveMeSport, Football FanCast, Transfer Tavern and Sports Mole, producing a variety of content from transfer news to match previews and reviews.
Dominic has previously worked in club media, working for FC Halifax Town, as well as working for The Halifax Courier, interviewing names such as Pete Wild, Gary Johnson and Phil Parkinson. Dominic has also interviewed the likes of Gus Poyet and Dean Saunders for Football FanCast.
A Tranmere fan, Dominic particularly enjoys writing about the EFL.
Nottingham Forest are now one step away from completing a deal for Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande.
With Oliver Glasner known for playing a three-at-the-back system, Forest have been pursuing a new centre-back this summer, and they have been in hot pursuit of Diomande, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealing they are still actively working on a deal.
The Ivorian was unable to make much of an impact at Sporting last season due to injury issues, but he has made 132 appearances for the Portuguese side over the past four seasons, during which time he's found the net on seven occasions.
Although injuries hampered him, the 22-year-old was reliable when called upon last season, averaging 6.2 defensive contributions per 90 in the Liga Portugal, which was the second-highest number in the squad.
Scout Jacek Kulig also lauded the Sporting star for his "fantastic" performances in the 2024-25 campaign, recording a 94% pass accuracy and winning 65% of the aerial duels he contested in the Liga Portugal.
The 15-cap Ivory Coast international also made one appearance at the World Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory against Curacao, which was the African side's final group game.
Which other positions do Nottingham Forest want to strengthen?
Right-back
With Glasner known to use wing-backs, Forest also want to sign a wing-back this summer, and Feyenoord's Givairo Read is of interest, although there is competition from Serie A side AS Roma. Read now has a decision to make, given that he has already agreed personal terms for a move to the City Ground.
Central midfield
Following Elliot Anderson's big-money move to Manchester City, Forest also want to bring in a new central midfielder, and Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall is of interest. However, a deal could be on the expensive side, with Spurs holding out for £60m.
Striker
As Chris Wood has entered the final year of his contract, it would also make sense to sign a new striker, and Everton star Beto has emerged as a target. The 28-year-old scored nine goals in 37 Premier League matches last season. Morgan Gibbs-White was the only Tricky Trees player to score more, with the Englishman finding the net on 15 occasions.
Sporting are holding out for a total package worth €45m (£38m), and if the Tricky Trees stump up the full amount, he would become their record signing, with the fee in excess of the £37.5m they shelled out to sign Omari Hutchinson last summer.
With Forest also searching for a right-wing back, they have now submitted a bid for Union SG star Anan Khalaili.
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REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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