Didier Deschamps has told Nottingham Forest why they must complete 'tremendous' Youssouf Fofana deal
Didier Deschamps' praise of Youssouf Fofana proves why Nottingham Forest should accelerate a move for his services this summer.
Fofana has been linked with a move to Forest this week as he edges closer to leaving AC Milan before the end of the window.
New reports from France have claimed that the Reds are battling Crystal Palace and Villarreal for his services after submitting a contract offer to his representatives.
Fofana has spent two seasons as a regular at the San Siro since joining from Monaco, but is not a part of new boss Ruben Amorim's plans.
He has been handed high praise from former France manager Deschamps in the past, proving that he could be a shrewd addition to Oliver Glasner's ranks.
Glasner is keen to bolster his midfield options even further in the coming weeks after signing Xaver Schlager on a free transfer.
Didier Deschamps backed Youssouf Fofana to have a big career during the 2022 World Cup
Fofana made his name at Monaco and was handed a France debut by Deschamps in September 2022 in a Nations League clash against Austria.
He impressed for the national team and continued to shine for his club before being named in their squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fofana made his first start at the tournament in their final group game against Tunisia as France slipped to a shock 1-0 loss, but he went on to shine from the off in their semi-final win over Morocco.
It was after that game that Deschamps praised him and Aurelien Tchouameni for their respective performances, even highlighting how Fofana had bounced back from a tough showing earlier on in the tournament.
He said: "They have tremendous potential, tremendous quality – and they are supported by the experienced players around them. All of the players struggled against Tunisia – Fofana had a bad game, if I'm honest with you – but he showed today, in a World Cup semi-final, that he has learned from that experience."
Such high praise from one of football's greatest managers should show exactly why Glasner is keen to add Fofana to his squad this summer.
Which other midfielders are Forest looking to sign?
Fofana is not the only midfield target on the Reds' radar as it stands, with the centre of the park clearly a top priority to bolster for Glasner.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Forest are planning to hijack West Ham's move for Celtic star Arne Engels over the next week.
Forest are also planning to submit a new bid for Lucas Bergvall, according to Football Insider's sources, as he continues to push for a move away from Tottenham.