Galatasaray interested in Aina

 Galatasaray reporter Kutlu Akpınar in an interview with TRT Spor broadcast on Thursday confirmed that the Turkish giants are interested in Nigeria international Ola Aina, but added that the transfer may prove to be a difficult one, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Aina, whose running deal expires at the end of the current season, has been a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s backline, earning plaudits for his versatility and consistent displays.

The Super Eagles defender has entered into the last six months of his contract and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club this month.

Forest are keen on offering the 28-year-old a new contract but may lose the defender to other clubs who have been impressed with his performance this season. English Premier League champions Manchester City and Turkish giants Galatasaray are among the clubs interested in the Nigerian.

Aina’s stellar performance in Forest’s shock 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield where he cleared a goal-bound effort off the line, denying Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in the first half coupled with his goals against West Ham and Brentford further underlined his importance to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

According to a report by The Sun on Monday, Aina has emerged as a top candidate for the position and Akpınar while giving information about Galatasaray’s transfer agenda in the TRT Spor broadcast said that the club wanted the versatile defender.

“Galatasaray is looking for a right back. One of these names is Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest,” he said.

“Galatasaray have not made an official offer to this name yet, but he is one of the players they are interested in. I see it as a difficult transfer.”

Forest are currently third on the EPL log and as they continue to push for a spot in Europe next season, securing Aina’s long-term future appears to be a priority. The club are expected to open talks with the defender in the coming weeks, aiming to tie down a player who has become integral to their Premier League ambitions.

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