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Nottingham Forest 'submit bid for goalkeeper Matz Sels'

sportsmole.co.uk, 1 February 2024, 12:53
Nottingham Forest have reportedly tabled a bid for Strasbourg's Matz Sels in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper on deadline day.

Following the signings of Giovanni Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro to provide more firepower going forward, a new man between the sticks is believed to be the next priority for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Being in breach of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules is not slowing down Forest's momentum in the market, as they look set to be one of the most active clubs on deadline day.

Nuno has given opportunities to both Odysseas Vlachodimos and Matt Turner since being appointed manager in December, but is not overly impressed by either.

Turner has been the regular in the Premier League, but has let in 10 goals in Nuno's five league games in charge, while also coming in for criticism for his role in goals conceded to Manchester United and Arsenal in matches at the City Ground over the past few weeks.

Vlachodimos has seen his action reserved only for cup matches, but after conceding twice in both ties against Blackpool, he was dropped for their fourth round clash against Bristol City.

Both stoppers were signed late in the summer window, but have struggled to make the number one jersey their own, as Turner was also briefly dropped by Steve Cooper in the league.

After a 5-0 thrashing at Fulham though, Vlachodimos has not featured in the Premier League since, with Forest now looking for a long-term replacement for the illustrious Keylor Navas, who they were unable to keep hold of last season.

The Athletic claim that talks are ongoing between Forest and Strasbourg over a move for Belgian international Sels, with a fee in the region of €6-7m (£5-6m) being touted.

Nothing concrete is yet in place between the club according to the report, but it is stated that the player is keen on the move as personal terms have been agreed and Forest are willing to fly him over for a medical today.

The 31-year-old was one of Strasbourg's key players when they finished sixth in Ligue 1 in 2021-22, and also helped the club avoid relegation last term.

Sels is hugely experienced and has only missed one league game over the last two-and-a-half years with the Alsace club, while also earning six caps for his native Belgium.

The goalkeeper also has some brief experience of English football on his CV, after featuring for Newcastle in the 2016-17 season, making nine appearances under Rafael Benitez in the Championship.

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