Traore may be target as Reds search for help out wide

NOTTINGHAM Forest are said to be poised to start transfer talks with Premier League rivals Fulham over a swoop for Adama Traore.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

Out wide is a key area in need of strengthening as the Reds prepare for the new season. They have lost wingers Anthony Elanga and Ramon Sosa, and there is also a question mark over Jota Silva's future at the City Ground.

Traore emerged as a Forest target last week. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo worked with the 29-year-old at Wolverhampton Wanderers and remains an admirer.

It appears the Reds are now ready to step up their interest in the Fulham man. According to The Telegraph, Forest are prepared to open talks with the Cottagers regarding a potential deal.

Traore joined Fulham on a free transfer two years ago after leaving Wolves. He featured 36 times in the Premier League for the Cottagers last term although half of those appearances came from off the bench - and scored two goals.

One of the Spaniard's League starts came in his team's 2-1 win over Forest at Craven Cottage in February. He gave Neco Williams a torrid time on that occasion and set up Emile Smith Rowe for the hosts' opening goal.

The Spaniard featured in the second half on Saturday as Fulham triumphed over Nuno's Reds in a preseason friendly in Portugal. Forest are in action again tomorrow night, when they will face Estoril in their latest run-out ahead of the new campaign.

As it stands, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota are the two remaining wingers in Nuno's squad. Josh Bowler remains on the books but is expected to move on before the window closes.