By Wayne Veysey

14th Jun, 2022 | 7:00am

Sources: Nantes submit bid for Nottingham Forest star Brice Samba

Nantes have submitted a bid for Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba, Football Insider understands.

The 28-year-old’s future at the City Ground is uncertain after he rejected the club’s offer of a new contract.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Nantes are looking to exploit Samba’s situation by luring him back to France.

They have tabled an offer and are hoping to persuade Forest to cash in now the keeper is about to enter the final year of his contract.

Samba is no stranger to French football having plied his trade for Le Havre, Marseille, AS Nancy, and Stade Malherbe Caen prior to joining Nottingham Forest in 2019.

The Congo-born star played 45 games across all competitions in 2021-22, conceding 39 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets.

He played an integral role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs and was the penalty shoot-out hero during the semi-final against Sheffield United.

Steve Cooper has already seen a significant part of his squad depart this summer – with Philip Zinckernagel, James Garner, Max Lowe, Djed Spence and Keinan Davis all exiting at the end of their loan spells.

Forest have reportedly moved quickly to sound out potential replacements.

They have been linked with Burnley keeper Nick Pope despite the Clarets holding out for £40million for the England international.

The Premier League new boys also have former Club Brugge shot-stopper and current USA international Ethan Horvath among their ranks.

Cooper is set to lose out on his top summer target with right-back Spence poised to join Tottenham in a £20million deal.

A Spurs source told Football Insider on 10 June that they are closing in on a breakthrough after intensifying their pursuit – beating off interest from Forest, Brentford, and Arsenal.

In other news, expert backs Premier League ace to join Nottingham Forest after door opens to deal.