Nottingham Forest have 'restarted' talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko this summer, according to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Reds interested

Recently, a report from journalist Luca Bianchin claimed that the Reds are keen on signing Bakayoko, with the Frenchman viewed as an 'option' for the club despite a complicated two-year loan agreement with AC Milan.

The 27-year-old joined the Serie A giants in August 2021 and is expected to stay until 2023 having failed to make the grade at Chelsea following numerous loan spells at Napoli, Monaco and a previous stint in Italy.

Now it seems as though Forest could be about to step up their interest in signing the France international before the September 1 deadline...

The latest: 'Restarted'

As per Calciomercato, translated by SW, Nottingham Forest are believed to have 'restarted' negotiations to sign the one-cap France ace.

It's claimed that the clubs will 'reopen' talks and Bakayoko himself would be open to the idea of heading back to the Premier League.

The report makes no mention of a fee required to sign the man who was described as 'absolute world class' by ESPN analyst Matteo Bonetti.

The verdict: Make it happen

Although it's as yet to happen for Bakayoko in the Premier League at Chelsea, the powerful 6 foot 2 Frenchman certainly looks purpose built for the English top flight and boasts 290 matches worth of experience to back up his physique.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to Real Madrid superstar Casemiro and cultured Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur (FBref), Steve Cooper would certainly be adding a well-rounded defensive midfielder to the City Ground ranks with this transfer.

Last season, Bakayoko earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.5 duels on average per game in Serie A, highlighting his defensive acumen and physical dominance that make him a difficult opponent to compete against.

With clean sheets likely to be at a premium, if Forest can strike a deal and bring the £9million valued man to the Midlands then it would be a wholly worthwhile venture.