Nottingham Forest transfer news: 'Improved' £5.6m offer made for ex-Manchester City youngster

Nottingham Forest have reportedly upped their efforts to sign Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo.

Despite the prospect of Morgan Gibbs-White following Anthony Elanga out of the City Ground, there will be quiet optimism that Nuno Espirito Santo can still keep the club in the top half of the Premier League table.

Star Botafogo duo Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have already been acquired to strengthen the defence and attack ahead of 2025-26.

There is also money to spend on further additions, regardless of whether Gibbs-White stays or leaves, and it appears that a new right-back is in Forest's sights.

According to Marca, the East Midlands outfit have raised their offer for Maffeo as they look to bring a successful end to negotiations.

Are Forest close to signing Maffeo?

The report alleges that Mallorca have already decided to lower their valuation of the 28-year-old to €8m (£6.93m).

In response, Forest officials are said to have made a bid that could reach €6.5m (£5.63m) if all add-ons are activated.

As it stands, Mallorca chiefs allegedly have no intention of further decreasing their asking price having already done so to try to find a middle ground.

Maffeo has spent the last three years at Mallorca, contributing four goals and 13 assists from his 128 appearances in all competitions.

Since the second half of 2016-17, the right-back has played all but one season in Spanish football, but he is no stranger to English football.

Between 2013 and 2018, he was contracted to Manchester City, representing the academy side before making three cup appearances.

Will Forest push harder for Maffeo?

Despite suggestions that Mallorca could now play hardball, Forest will realistically not back out of a marginal increase to sign an experienced right-back.

Maffeo has five goals and 18 assists from 180 La Liga appearances, representing a solid return for a player who could be signed for less than £7m.

Although Ola Aina and Neco Williams are both options on that side of the backline, Maffeo would challenge both for a starting role.

Written by
Darren Plant