(Football news) Nottingham Forest are set to sign Mainz captain Moussa Niakhate. The 26-year-old has been at the Bundesliga club for the past four seasons, during which time he has had 135 appearances in all competitions. Last season he scored four times, which helped Mainz secure an impressive eight-placed ahead of the likes of the Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg. Although predominantly used as a centre-back, Niakhate can also be used on the left side of defence. Forest have reportedly  agreed a £12.8m fee with Mainz and the deal is set to be announced very soon..

Niakhate looks like a useful signing and given the transfer fee involved as it looks like a shrewd piece of business by the Forest board. The Reds had identified Bundesliga as a market where there are bargain buys available. Naturally another defender was required in the squad since he will provide useful competition in the team. Niakhate is a strong tackler, wins lots of aerial duels and perhaps more crucially, he has the ability to play out from the back. Steve Cook, Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna will all get a fair share of chances in the playing XI but more quality at the back was required. Niakhate brings top-flight experience with him and he could be a really useful signing for Forest.

He will subsequently become Forest’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson and Giulian Biancone. Although these signings don't guarantee the perfect formula for success or even survival back in the Premier League. The Forest hierarchy certainly seem to be providing Steve Cooper with all of the tools required to stand a chance of meeting their targets for next season. During 2021/22, Niakhate had four goals in 30 league matches, he won 4.3 duels and made 2.2 clearances and 1.7 interceptions per game, highlighting an eye for goal along with his superb defensive attributes. The Reds are landing the Frenchman at a bargain, with him being in the final 12 months of his contract in Germany, so this can be regarded as a smart piece of business by the recruitment team from the club.

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