Sources: Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Cheikhou Kouyate after Crystal Palace exit
Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Cheikhou Kouyate after he quit Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.
The midfielder, 32, is a free agent following his failure to agree a new deal with Palace.
Forest have made a move for Kouyate as they look to add some experience and steel to their squad after a chastening opening-day defeat to Newcastle.
The Senegal international is a proven Premier League performer after extensive spells at Palace and West Ham.
Kouyate has racked up 258 appearances in the English top flight – including 27 in the 2021-22 campaign.
Football Insider revealed last month (4 July) that Saudi club Al-Ittihad were hoping to lure the defensive midfielder to the Middle East with a big-money contract.
But Premier League new boys Forest have stepped in to offer the former Anderlecht star another chance in England.
Crystal Palace were hopeful of retaining Kouyate’s services prior to his exit earlier this summer but failed to come to an agreement on a new deal.
The 82-time Senegal international, who can play in midfield and defence, won the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Nottingham Forest have already wrapped up 12 additions so far this summer – including Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Kouyate would further bolster Steve Cooper’s midfield – with Forest already swooping for Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala during the off-season.
Crystal Palace have moved to replace the midfielder with 22-year-old Lens star Cheick Doucoure – who joined the Londoners for a reported potential fee of £22million.
In other news, Football Insider updates as London side offered Belgium star after Leicester bid accepted.