Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande has developed into an ambitious summer move.

Forest opened talks with Sporting after identifying the Ivory Coast international as a defender capable of strengthening Oliver Glasner’s options immediately.

A proposal worth around £30 million was reported in July, but Sporting have continued pushing for a larger package.

Other reports have suggested Diomande has agreed personal terms with Forest, although the clubs must still settle the transfer fee and structure.

The interest represents another step in the 22-year-old’s rapid career.

Diomande developed at Ivorian academy OS Abobo before moving to Denmark to join Midtjylland in January 2020. He never made a senior appearance for the Danish club, but a loan to Portuguese second-tier side Mafra proved decisive.

The centre-back played 17 times across all competitions during the first half of 22/23 and scored once, attracting attention from Sporting.

He made his Sporting debut in 2023 and later started at the Emirates as the Portuguese side eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League on penalties.

His combination of strength, recovery speed and composure in possession made him particularly effective within a back three.

Diomande subsequently helped Sporting win consecutive Portuguese league titles in 23/24 and 24/25, followed by the Portuguese Cup in the latter campaign.

He was also part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in February 2024.

Last season was more difficult. Muscle problems restricted his early involvement, while another issue in January interrupted his momentum following international duty.

Diomande still made 17 league appearances, starting 15 of them as Sporting finished second.

He also featured nine times in the Champions League and scored in their 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Portuguese club extended his contract until 2030 in January and retained a release clause worth £69 million, placing them in a powerful negotiating position.

Forest are nevertheless trying to secure him for considerably less.

Nottingham Forest learn Ousmane Diomande update

Florian Plettenberg now reports that the Premier League club are continuing to work hard on reaching an agreement for Diomande.

The Sky Germany journalist stresses that negotiations still require further work, indicating a transfer has not yet been completed despite previous claims that the deal was close.

Sporting have reportedly wanted approximately £34 million, but any agreement would also need to account for Midtjylland’s sell-on clause.

Diomande would add speed, physicality and experience of defending in a three alongside Murillo and Nikola Milenković at Forest, and Plettenberg’s update confirms Forest remain fully engaged, but the final few million pounds could decide whether their persistence produces a breakthrough.