Sources: Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign ex-Chelsea defender Jonathan Panzo
Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign England Under-21 defender Jonathan Panzo, Football Insider understands.
Panzo, 21, is currently plying his trade in France with Dijon after beginning his career at Chelsea.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Forest boss Steve Cooper is a big fan of Panzo having worked with the defender during his time as England Under-17 boss, with Panzo part of Cooper's successful 2017 World Cup-winning squad.
Primarily a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at left-back and has represented his country at various age levels.
The South London-born youngster was also part of the England Under-17side side that finished as runners-up to Spain in the 2017 Under-17 Euros.
Panzo joined Ligue 2 side Dijon after leaving Monaco in August 2020 and is under contract until August 2023.
He was sidelined for the opening three months of the season with a knee injury.
Since he became available for selection again in November, Panzo has turned out just three times, all in the Coup De France,
He made 22 appearances for the Dijon side that finished bottom of Ligue 1 last season and were relegated to the second tier.
Panzo would represent the second centre-half Cooper has signed for Forest in the winter window after Steve Cook's arrival from Bournemouth.
Right-back Richie Laryea has also signed in a permanent deal from Toronto, while striker Keinan Davis joined on loan from Aston Villa.
Forest are 8th in the Championship table and gunning for a play-off spot.