Fulham to battle Nottingham Forest for Ismail Jakobs | OneFootball

Fulham and Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to go head-to-head for Monaco wing-back Ismail Jakobs.

According to the Daily Mail, the Cottagers have joined the hunt for the 23-year-old, who has been on the Tricky Trees’ radar since the early summer.

Marco Silva’s intention to reinforce both flanks is no secret, as he opened up on Fulham’s lack of reliable full-back options during the team’s pre-season tour in the United States.

Antonee Robinson is Silva’s only left-back option, which induced rumours of the London club’s interest in AC Milan wantaway struggler Fode Ballo-Toure last month.

However, the 26-year-old Senegal international is now close to joining Werder Bremen, compelling Fulham to expand their search.

Jakobs’ versatility allows him to cover multiple positions on both flanks, but he is more comfortable playing on the left, even as a winger.

The Senegalese, who clocked up 41 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available on a cut-price deal despite being under contract until 2026.

Most of Jakobs’ first-team opportunities in 2022/23 came from the substitutes’ bench, and new manager Adi Hutter is ready to listen to offers for the former Cologne defender.

Forest’s interest in Jakobs dates back to his time in Germany, but Monaco defeated them to his signature in 2021.

They have reignited their pursuit of the left-footed youngster after failing to agree a permanent stay for last season’s loanee Renan Lodi.

But Fulham are poised to rival their Premier League adversaries to address the shortage of numbers at the back, increasing the likelihood of Jakobs’ switch to England.

Monaco sanctioned Axel Disasi’s move to London last week as Chelsea’s £38 million offer for the towering centre-back satisfied the Ligue 1 team’s appetites.

In addition to Disasi and Jakobs, another Les Monegasques player could embrace the riches of the Premier League this summer.

Their highly-rated midfielder Youssouf Fofana has caught the eye of Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United.