Anan Khalaili: Everything Nottingham Forest fans should know as 'bid rejected'

Nottingham Forest have stepped up their search for at least one new full-back, but a hurdle has emerged in a deal for Anan Khalaili.

For weeks, it appeared as though Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United had lost the race for Union St Gilloise's talented wing-back.

Inter Milan had a £23.9million package agreed with the Belgian side before the deal fell through with the Serie A giants due to a medical issue.

That has not put off Oliver Glasner's side, however, having a €20m (£17m) bid rejected for the Israeli international, who has 18 goal contributions over the last two seasons.

Forest's first offer is certainly short of the deal that Union St Gilloise had agreed previously [The Athletic], and it remains to be seen if the club will return with a second bid.

The full-back position appears to be a priority at the City Ground, though, with bids also being submitted for Feyenoord's Givairo Read this summer.

What should fans know about Anan Khalaili?

The interest in Khalaili is hardly a surprise, especially when taking into account his star-studded two campaigns in Belgium, where he has eight goals and 10 assists.

The 21-year-old broke out during his time at Maccabi Haifa, but it was his role in Israel Under-20s' World Cup tournament back in 2023.

Israel won an historic bronze medal at the tournament, even scoring his team's third in a 3-1 win over South Korea in the third-place play-off game.

He had even netted in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, sparking Union St Gilloise to make a move for him in the summer of 2024.

The 21-year-old's current contract runs until 2028, so his club will be under no pressure to sell. But when a Premier League team comes calling, it might be tough to turn down.

Where does Khalaili fit into Nottingham Forest's plans?

Although Neco Williams and Ola Aina are ideal first choices, with Luca Netz an exciting back-up, Glasner requires further reinforcements in defence.

Khalaili is more than just a full-back, though. Thanks to his attacking nature, the youngster is really capable of playing anywhere on the right flank.

The Reds will be desperate for more firepower in the final third, and as a player who mimics that of Daniel Munoz, Glasner will likely be excited to work with him.

While some may prefer a move for Read, splashing the cash on Khalaili as well certainly wouldn't hurt, especially given the lack of depth in some positions at the City Ground.