Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. The Premier League club's interest was reported by journalist Mike McGrath this week, who noted Crystal Palace have also made a similar approach.
Brentford are also admirers of the Senegal international, but Monaco remain very much in the picture for his signature. The 23-year-old central midfielder is seen as a potential target to bolster Steve Cooper's options in the middle of the park. Forest begin the 2026-27 season 15th in the Premier League table with zero points from one game, having lost their opening fixture.
Which clubs are competing for Pape Matar Sarr?
Mike McGrath's report outlines a competitive field for Pape Matar Sarr. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have taken the initial step of making official enquiries to Tottenham. Brentford's interest is described as that of admirers, while French side Monaco are presented as a persistent suitor. This suggests the transfer saga could develop into a multi-club negotiation. The interest from clubs at different stages of their development highlights Sarr's perceived versatility and potential.
Where would Sarr fit in the Forest squad?
Adding Pape Matar Sarr would address a key area for Nottingham Forest. The team has conceded one goal and scored none in its solitary league outing so far, indicating a need for greater control in midfield. Sarr's energy and ball-winning ability could provide a platform for the attacking players ahead of him. His profile differs from some existing options, offering Steve Cooper a different tactical tool. You can view the composition of the current squad on our squad page.
What is Forest's current league context?
The pursuit of Sarr comes as Forest look to improve on a difficult start. After one match, they sit 15th with a record of zero wins, zero draws, and one loss. Their goal difference stands at minus one. They are already three points behind early leaders Brighton. The next opportunity to get points on the board is a home match against Everton, who currently sit 4th, on December 19th. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
| Club | Position | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | 1st | 3 | +2 |
| Everton | 4th | 3 | +1 |
| Nottingham Forest | 15th | 0 | -1 |
What happens next in the transfer window?
With the enquiry made, Forest's recruitment team will be assessing Tottenham's response and the financial parameters of any deal. The confirmed interest from other Premier League clubs means the fee could be driven upward. Any move would need to be weighed against the club's broader budget and squad needs ahead of the deadline. Success in this chase could provide a significant boost as Forest aim to climb from their current 15th-place standing. Fans can track the team's progress up the table on our standings section.
