Nottingham Forest should target Nantes left-back Quentin Merlin as a replacement for former loanee Renan Lodi.
Merlin played 24 times for the French side in Ligue 1 last season, scoring once and assisting twice.
The 21-year-old came through Nantes’ academy and has featured 63 times for the club since his debut back in February 2021.
His impressive season at the relegation strugglers hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Merlin making five appearances for France’s U21s this campaign.
Fellow Ligue 1 side OGC Nice are also said to be interested in the left-back who has a market value of €7 million with three years left on his current deal.
What would Quentin Merlin bring to Nottingham Forest?
The left-back played all down the left for Nantes last season in Ligue 1 and Europa League, including left midfield and wing-back.
Merlin is a forward-thinking full-back who loves to get forward, as demonstrated by his 1.9 progressive carries per90 and 4.9 progressive passes per90.
Defensively, the 21-year-old is solid with 1.3 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.2 blocks per90.
The Reds currently have Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo as left-back/wing-back options.
However, Richards is still recovering from a long-term injury, with Toffolo facing a long suspension for breaking the FA’s betting rules.
New man Ola Aina is more than capable of filling in but is much more effective on the right-hand side.
With a deal for Ismail Jacobs now looking unlikely, Forest should turn their attention to Merlin who is a great option, with bags of potential to get even better.
