Nottingham Forest are edging closer to securing the signature of Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with talks between the clubs reaching an advanced stage.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a priority target for Forest's new head coach Oliver Glasner, who previously attempted to bring Diomande to Crystal Palace during his time at Selhurst Park. His admiration for the defender is well established, and that pursuit has now resumed under different colours.

Sources indicate that while a final agreement is yet to be formally concluded, discussions have progressed considerably in recent days and a deal is now within touching distance.

Release clause and fee

Diomande holds a release clause valued at £68.2 million, though Forest are working to negotiate his transfer for a figure below that threshold. The club are determined to land the Ivory Coast international without triggering the full buyout figure.

A seasoned performer at 22

Despite his young age, Diomande brings significant experience to the table. The central defender has accumulated more than 150 senior appearances at club level, while also earning 15 caps for Ivory Coast at international level — a testament to the esteem in which he is held both domestically and on the continental stage.

Should the deal be completed, Diomande would represent a significant defensive addition for Glasner as he looks to reshape Forest's backline heading into the new season.