Nottingham Forest were one of the clubs to make a firm effort to sign Lyon’s Houssem Aouar towards the end of the summer transfer window.
It was stated the 24-year-old had an agreement with Steve Cooper’s side, but no deal take shape.
Along with Nottingham Forest, Real Betis, Sevilla and Benfica failed to sign the France international.
L’Equipe have interviewed the midfielder and specifically asked him why he turned down approaches made by the aforementioned clubs.
“I didn’t refuse at all! It was a stressful transfer window for me. But I agreed with most of the clubs that came forward,” he said.
“Yes, even Benfica. In addition, you can see that these are clubs of different standings, with different projects, and I did not stand in the way.
OGC Nice were also named as a suitor for Aouar, but he has ruled out a move to them or any other French club.
His current deal expires next summer. The player was asked whether he’s asked Lyon for an extension.
Responding to that, Aouar said: “Not at all. A player is never forced to extend! That’s not how it works. Everything is fine between the club and me today.
“It is true that they have mentioned the possibility of extending, but for the moment I am not on the pitch and my only priority is already to play. I focus on that. Then, in a second step, we will have time to discuss. For now, I just want to play again and help the club out of this difficult moment.”
The Frenchman, however, doesn’t rule out signing a new deal at Lyon.
“No of course not. But first I will already try to play again and bring what I can do, and then we will have time for discussions. The season is very long,” Aouar concluded.
