Nottingham Forest emerge as late contenders to beat Southampton to the signing of Loic Bade

Nottingham Forest are battling Southampton to secure the signature of Rennes defender Loic Bade. 

After enjoying a breakout season in the French top flight with Lens, Rennes signed Bade in July of last year for £17million on a five-year deal. 

The 22-year-old Frenchman made for 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Les Rennais last season before an adductor injury curtailed his campaign.

Despite his spell on the sidelines, Bade has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs this summer, with Leicester interested, and Southampton submitting an offer to sign the France youth international on a loan to buy deal.

Rennes defender Loic Bade has been targeted by several Premier League clubs this summer

However, personal terms between the Southampton and the player have not yet been agreed, and Forest have made enquiries over the availability of the young centre-back.

Should Forest boss Steve Cooper be able to complete a deal for Bade before Thursday’s transfer deadline it would mark the nineteenth new arrival at the City Ground this summer.

Cooper has already bolstered the club’s defensive options by bringing in centre-back Moussa Niakhate from Mainz, right-backs Giulian Biancone and Neco Williams from Troyes and Liverpool respectively, and left-backs Harry Toffolo, Omar Richards and Renan Lodi.