Nottingham Forest transfer move lays down European signal of intent
Nottingham Forest has signalled its intent to continue chasing a long-awaited return to European football after bidding for Brentford forward, Yoane Wissa.
The 28 year-old has been in impressive form for the Bees so far this league campaign, notching up 11 goals and 2 assists in 19 games. But, Brentford are believed to have flatly rejected the bid - estimated to be around £22 million.
The Trees have been highly reliant on Chris Woods' efforts in attack this season with the six-foot-three striker's 14 Premier League goals accounting for 42% scored by Forest in the league.
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Despite this reliance, Nuno Espirito Santo’s City Ground side sits third in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, having won seven of their last eight Premier League fixtures.
Brentford's exact valuation for Wissa is unclear but it is understood that the £22 million bid is significantly below what they would need to part ways with the player. Wissa, who can play either as a striker or wideman, has a contract which currently runs through to 2026 with the option of a further year.
Wissa became Brentford's top Premier League goal scorer this season, with his 37 top division goals overtaking Ivan Toney's previous record.
Both Wissa and attacking partner Bryan Mbuemo have performed strongly following Toney's eye-watering move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
Forest has not qualified for a European competition in 30 years, with the club reaching the Europa League's predecessor, the UEFA Cup, quarter-final.
The side's current attacking options, aside from Wood, include Taiwo Awoniyi, who has had an injury-laden season and managed a single league goal, and wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have both netted three times each.
Nuno is believed to be considering other attacking options to bolster the squad as it continues to overachieve this league campaign.
