Nottingham Forest join Fulham in the chase for Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure

Nottingham Forest have joined Fulham in the chase for Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The 29-year-old, who cost Everton £25m in 2020, hasn’t started a Premier League game since August and is out of contract in the summer, though Everton hold an option.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has previously worked with Doucoure at Everton and Watford so knows the Mali international well.

Forest manager Steve Cooper is open to strengthening his midfield further particularly with players of Premier League experience. 

Forest have also asked about Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma and Union Berlin winger Sheraldo Becker.

Forest’s Loic Bade is to cut short his loan at the club and join Sevilla.

Steve Cooper wants to strengthen midfield with players of Premier League experience

Frank Lampard made midfield strengthening a priority over the summer, with Idrissa Gueye returning to Merseyside from PSG and the £33million arrival of Amadou Onana from Lille. 

Everton were also boosted by emergence of Alex Iwobi, with the likes of Doucoure falling down the pecking order.

Lampard would also like to boost his in midfield options in January, but may need to see current players offloaded to free up wages.