Reds may face rival bid from outside UK for winger
FOREST KEEN TO HOLD ON TO LOANEE KNOCKAERT
NOTTINGHAM Forest could face a battle to hold on to loanee Anthony Knockaert.
The French winger played the final game of his initial loan spell from Fulham in Saturday’s 1-0 away win against Preston North End.
His loan is officially due to expire today and Knockaert is continuing to train with the Reds ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Cardiff City.
It is thought Forest are keen to extend the former Brighton & Hove Albion player’s loan.
However, according to Daniel Taylor of The Athletic, an unnamed club from abroad are keen to take Knockaert on loan.
Taylor tweeted: “Forest are trying to do another loan – but there’s another club (non-uk) also interested too.
“Fulham spent a lot of money on him – too much, to be honest – so want to get as much as possible back, ultimately.”
It is reported Forest have an option to buy Knockaert, although it is unlikely they will take up that option this month.
Forest continue to be linked with Anderlecht winger Francis Amuzu.
The 21-year-old, who can operate on either flank, is managed by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany at the Belgian giants.
The Ghana-born Belgian, who has represented his country at both under-19 and under-21 level, was first linked with the Reds last month.
German sides Mainz and Koln, Dutch outfit AZ, and Evangelos Marinakis-owned Olympiacos were also linked with Amuzu.
A new report by Sports World Ghana claims Forest have made an offer for the player which is being considered by Anderlecht.
The report states: “English Championship side Nottingham Forest are tracking Anderlecht’s youngster Francis Amuzu in the ongoing January transfer window.
“Sportsworldghana.com understands that manager Chris Hughton is in the market looking for a right winger and has identified the Gha
naian-born Belgian youth star as a player who can fit the bill.
“An official approach has already been made by the English secondtier side but Anderlecht are yet to respond as they are still studying the offer.”
The reports adds that Amuzu’s contract expires in 2024 but has a release clause of four million euros.