Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate is being linked with a move to newly promoted Nottingham Forest.

The 26-year-old is emerging as the ideal option for Forest to shore up their rearguard as they prepare for life in the Premier League next season.

According to the Daily Mail, Niakhate would be available on a free transfer in a year, which means Mainz are likely to accept a cut-price fee for his signature this time around.

The defender has made 135 appearances for Mainz in the past four seasons, having arrived in 2018 from France.

Forest are also hot on the heels of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, in what is likely to be a straight loan deal.

They are also assessing Morgan Gibbs-White of Wolves.