Ireland star on cusp of surprise transfer to French club

"Strasbourg intends to be active in this winter transfer window."

The Nottingham Forest defender, 22, has made only one appearance for the club this season. Omobamidele has found opportunities difficult to come by for the team, as Forest have a settled side and are in surprise contention for a European place.

The French publication stated that the defender is about to join Strasbourg on loan.

"Strasbourg intends to be active in this winter transfer window. Eager to strengthen its winger and centre-forward positions, Racing is about to finalise the arrival of a central defender.

"The Alsatian club's directors have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for its Irish international Andrew Omobamidele (22 years old, under contract until June 2028)."

The Leixlip man - who has won 10 senior caps for Ireland - has enjoyed a torrid time at high-flyers Forest this season, with just one appearance for the side who sit third in the Premier League.

He has not even made the bench for the last three months and was left out of the match-day squad for their recent FA Cup tie win over Luton, with boss Nuno Espirito Santos making 11 changes for the game.

The report says that Omobamidele is in Strasbourg today to complete a medical and agree terms, in what is thought to be a long-term deal.

Forest will make a loss on the £12 million spent on the defender in his move from Norwich in 2023, and he could feature in his new side's league game with Lille on Saturday.

Strasbourg are managed by former Hull boss Liam Rosenior and currently lie 10th out of 18 teams in Ligue 1.