Nottingham Forest transfer news: Defender 'closing' on Lyon move

Having been docked four points for breaching the rules for the previous season, the East Midlands outfit have been under pressure to deliver before June 30, the final day for submitting their most recent accounts.

However, with some of their most prized assets such as Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White consistently being linked with moves elsewhere, the perception has been that Forest are likely to get over the line.

They have already released a wide array of players and allowed others to return to their parent clubs after loan stints, freeing up space on their outgoings.

Further progress is now in line to be made with one of their defenders on the brink of a transfer to France.

Niakhate on brink of Lyon move

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Moussa Niakhate will soon be confirmed as a new player for Lyon on a long-term contract.

Romano says that the presidents of the respective clubs have personally been in contact to wrap up a £20m deal.

The 28-year-old is now expected to undergo a medical with Lyon's staff on Friday before potentially being confirmed as a new arrival.

A total of 15 starts and six substitute outings were made in the Premier League last season, although Forest failed to win a game that he started after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of February.

Niakhate will depart the City Ground having featured on just 37 occasions across his two seasons since signing from Mainz 05 for €10m.

What now for Niakhate and Forest?

From Niakhate's perspective, he will be focused on trying to earn a spot in the centre of the Lyon defence, something which will not be easy after their strong second half of the campaign.

Lyon were the best-performing team from January onwards, accumulating 37 points from their 17 fixtures, although they did concede 28 goals during that time.

Meanwhile, Forest will not feel in any rush to replace Niakhate given that he did not make a positive impact in the final few months at the club.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Murillo, yet it is unlikely that the Blues will be willing to meet Forest's alleged asking price.