Nottingham Forest open talks to sign another Tottenham player instead of Bergvall

Nottingham Forest are refusing to abandon their search for a midfielder capable of replacing Elliot Anderson.

Anderson joined Man City for a British record £116 million earlier this summer, leaving a considerable hole in Oliver Glasner’s side.

Forest have money to spend and have already demonstrated their ambition by signing Liam Delap from Chelsea for a club record package worth up to £50 million.

Their leading midfield target this window has been Lucas Bergvall.

Forest reportedly saw a £38 million offer rejected by Tottenham in July, but remained interested in the Sweden international and considered returning with an improved proposal.

Bergvall’s situation initially appeared to offer Forest an opening.

The 20-year-old reportedly asked to leave Tottenham earlier this summer because he was concerned about receiving regular football under Roberto De Zerbi.

He had played only 112 minutes across De Zerbi’s six matches in charge at the end of last season, starting just once. Bergvall is also tied to Tottenham until 2031, giving the London club complete control over his future.

However, Tottenham have resisted every approach.

De Zerbi has also publicly insisted that Bergvall will stay, despite adding Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to an already crowded midfield department.

The Swede started Tottenham’s opening Premier League defeat against Brentford, although he was substituted at halftime after losing possession during the move that produced the second goal.

REUTERS/Ian Walton

Forest have continued pursuing Bergvall, but the possibility of a deal appears to be fading as the deadline approaches.

That has pushed another Tottenham midfielder into their sights.

Nottingham Forest open talks for Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr

Journalist Lassana Camara reports that Forest have initiated discussions over a possible move for Pape Matar Sarr.

Talks are said to be taking place between the different parties, although there is not yet any suggestion that an agreement has been reached.

Sarr wants more regular football after Tottenham’s midfield rebuild reduced his prospects under De Zerbi.

Tonali, Fernandes and Conor Gallagher have increased the competition for places, while Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray remain at the club.

Monaco have also approached Sarr’s representatives about a possible loan, while Galatasaray and Aston Villa have been linked with permanent moves.

Forest would therefore need to move quickly if their interest develops into a formal offer.

The 23-year-old would represent a different option to Bergvall.

Sarr is less creative in possession, but he brings Premier League experience, athleticism and considerable energy. He can press opponents, cover ground quickly and make powerful runs into the penalty area.

He also played an important part in Tottenham’s 2025 Europa League triumph, supplying the cross that led to Brennan Johnson’s winning goal in the final against Man United.

Forest may still prefer Bergvall, but Sarr could offer the more realistic route to signing a proven midfielder before the window closes.