Leeds United-linked defender Andrew Omobamidele has departed Nottingham Forest, joining French side Strasbourg on loan until the end of the season. The Ligue 1 club also have the option to make Omobamidele’s transfer a permanent one at the end of the campaign.

Omobamidele, who had been linked with a move to Elland Road to strengthen up Daniel Farke's squad, has made just 15 Premier League appearances for Forest since joining them from Norwich City in summer 2023. He arrived at The City Ground for around £11million, but has failed to cement a regular spot in the side.

Confirming Omobamidele's exit, a Forest statement read: “The club can confirm that Andrew Omobamidele has joined Strasbourg on a loan deal until the end of the season. We wish Andrew all the best for his time in France.”

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Speaking on Omobamidele's future last week, Forest coach Andy Reid told Off The Ball: "It's been a tough period for him, opportunities have been limited. He needs to go play football - I'd imagine he will find something that lets him get on the football pitch. He's somebody that I worked with at the Ireland Under-18s.

"He's a great lad and I think he'll have a really good career. But he needs to play some football."

Elsewhere, Besiktas have entered the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia - amid transfer interest from Leeds. According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, Besiktas, now managed by former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, want to sign Buendia before the end of the January window.

It's added the Super Lig club are "interested" and such "transfer conditions" are being investigated. Buendia made his first Champions League start against Monaco on Tuesday and impressed, although he couldn't prevent his side from falling to a 1-0 defeat. He has played 446 minutes of first-team football this season.

Leeds are yet to make any signing in January. They have allowed one player to leave, however, with Joe Gelhardt making the loan move to Hull until the end of the season.