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.