Nottingham Forest launch approach to sign El Mala despite major obstacle

Evangelos Marinakis is looking to back Vitor Pereira straight away this summer and Nottingham Forest have already opened talks to sign an in-demand star as a result.

Nottingham Forest launch move to sign 13-goal attacker

The Tricky Trees will be hoping to move beyond the relegation zone and back towards European heights next season, especially now that Marinakis has found the latest manager that he trusts.

They’ll undoubtedly find themselves at the forefront of the transfer window as a result and have already set their sights on some attacking additions.

Names like Lois Openda have threatened to steal recent headlines, for example, and the Juventus man would be an excellent addition at the City Ground.

Alongside the Belgian, meanwhile, Forest have also got their sights set on a shock move for Jean-Philippe Mateta, perhaps reigniting Marinakis’ rivalry with Crystal Palace in the process.

Negotiations with the South London club certainly won’t be easy, however, and that could force those in the Midlands towards a Bundesliga star as a fresh alternative.

According to TeamTalk, Nottingham Forest have launched an approach to sign Said El Mala from FC Koln, and are in active talks to hijack Brentford’s move, which just collapsed.

The forward is a man in-demand, but certainly isn’t making things routine in negotiations. Reports are claiming that his deal with Brentford collapsed, because the Bees refused to sign the player’s older brother, Malek El Mala, in a double deal.

It’s now likely to be a major obstacle for Nottingham Forest to overcome. Whether they decide that one El Mala brother is worth also welcoming the other is the big question. It may well be the quickest route towards finalising any deal.

Why Nottingham Forest should go all out for El Mala

If Forest can land Malek El Mala at a low cost, then it would be worth accelerating their deal for his younger brother and their main target this summer. Said El Mala would prove to be worth the unique negotiations, that’s for sure.

The 19-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign for Koln this season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and has become one of the most in-demand players in European football. It would be some statement to win the race for his signature.

Dubbed “phenomenal” by scout Jacek Kulig, the teenage star would finally replace Anthony Elanga at the City Ground and offer Pereira a much-needed new talisman.

As for his older brother, he’s still just 21 years old and could provide an unexpected added bonus for Forest if they are willing to make a compromise this summer.

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