Forest advance Aina talks amid transfer interest

Nottingham Forest are stepping up contract negotiations with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina amid intensifying interest from Serie A giants AS Roma and AC Milan.

The versatile right-back, whose current deal with Forest expires at the end of the season, has been instrumental in their impressive Premier League campaign, helping the club to eighth position with 13 points from eight games.

According to Italian outlet AS Roma Live, both Roma and Milan are monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation, with the possibility of signing him on a pre-contract agreement in January.

The former Chelsea youth player, who joined Forest from Torino in 2023, has made 30 league appearances for the Tricky Trees, establishing himself as a key player in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.

“There is interest in Ola Aina, as relayed via ASRomaLive.it. He is also at the top of AS Roma’s shortlist for a potential move in the future,” Milan Reports stated.

Forest had indicated last month their desire to secure the Nigeria international on a long-term deal, recognising his contribution to their strong defensive record this season, which includes a positive goal difference.

The defender’s versatility, being able to operate on both flanks, has made him an attractive proposition for the Italian clubs, who could potentially secure his services for a nominal fee in January or as a free agent in the summer

Aina previously played in Serie A with Torino before joining Forest on a one-year deal in 2023, which was extended for another year in May 2024.