Nottingham Forest are on the verge of completing the signing of Ousmane Diomande. Portuguese reports indicate the deal could even be made official on Wednesday.
According to O Jogo, the two clubs are now working through the final details of the transfer. Negotiations really gathered pace over recent days.
The newspaper goes as far as describing the defender’s departure as “irreversible”, signalling confidence in Portugal that the move will be completed.
The remaining discussions, however, appear to centre on how the deal is structured.
Sporting draw a clear line
While Nottingham Forest’s proposal includes a fixed fee worth €40m (£35m) plus bonuses, Sporting are still pushing for the overall package to reach a figure close to €50m (£43m).
Jornal de Notícias adds another important detail. According to the newspaper, Sporting are refusing to approve the transfer unless €40m (£35m) is guaranteed up front.
Bonuses can still form part of the agreement, but the Portuguese club will not compromise on the initial payment.
That demand has become the final hurdle as negotiations continue.
No rush to force a deal
Jornal de Notícias also reports that Sporting remain prepared to keep Diomande if Nottingham Forest fail to meet that requirement.
The Portuguese giants have already secured centre-back Ibrahima Ba, who is expected to strengthen the squad this summer, but that has not altered their negotiating stance.
Instead, Sporting are said to be comfortable retaining both defenders. This will happen if Forest do not satisfy their financial conditions.
That leaves the Premier League club with a choice. Negotiations appear to be entering their final phase. In addition, there is growing confidence that Diomande will soon be playing in England.
Yet Sporting’s position has remained consistent throughout the talks. The transfer will only be completed once the guaranteed fee reaches their minimum requirement.
With O Jogo suggesting an announcement could arrive at any moment, it now appears to be a question of final details rather than whether the move itself will happen.
