Chelsea and Liverpool rocked as Prem rivals 'agree deal for £60m transfer target'

Nottingham Forest have reportedly reached an agreement with Lyon to sign Malick Fofana. The winger has been heavily linked with a host of top European outfits this summer, including Chelsea and Liverpool.

However, both clubs appear to have been caught flat-footed in the race to secure his signature, with Forest swooping to attempt to steal a march on their rivals.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nuno Espirito Santo's side have struck a deal with Lyon for Fofana. The fee agreed is unclear at this stage but the Belgium international was previously valued at approximately £60million.

Lyon have since been relegated to Ligue 2 though after a decision made by DNCG, the body who oversee the accounts of French football clubs. The club announced that they intend to appeal against the decision.

Nevertheless, Forest appear to be in the box seat to sign Fofana, but the door has been left open for a hijack. The 20-year-old has still not agreed on terms with the City Ground outfit as he is biding his time and waiting to see whether any clubs come forward who will be competing in the Champions League next season.

Thus, Liverpool and Chelsea will have the chance to pounce if they act quickly. Bayern Munich and Napoli are also firmly in the race to sign Fofana and have been in contact with Lyon about making an approach.

Chelsea have already been very active in the transfer market so far, focusing on breathing a fresh lease of life into their attack. Enzo Maresca's side welcomed Liam Delap to their squad from Ipswich Town earlier this summer, and they are set to announce the signings of Brighton's Joao Pedro and Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens as well.

Both of their imminent arrivals are capable of playing on the left, but the availability of Fofana may be too good of an opportunity for the higher powers at Stamford Bridge to pass up on.

Liverpool also splashed the cash on reinforcements, with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all arriving in Merseyside. Arne Slot's side now have their sights set on improving their attacking options, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez heavily linked with moves away - with both players having suitors in Europe and the Saudi Pro League.