Leeds United, Sunderland and Derby County are set to battle it out for the signing of former Nottingham Forest youngster Ateef Konate, as per Africa Foot.
Leeds United, Sunderland and Derby County will all be playing Championship football next season.
The Whites fell short of play-off glory at the final hurdle while the Rams finished 2nd in League One. The Black Cats meanwhile ended up 16th after a thoroughly disappointment campaign.
Now, all three sides have departing Nottingham Forest talent Ateef Konate on their radar.
The 23-year-old is set to become a free agent as his deal at the City Ground winds down.
Africa Foot are reporting Eredivisie sides are alongside Leeds United, Sunderland and Derby County in eyeing up a move for Konate as they look for shrewd ways to strengthen their ranks.
The versatile attacker is most natural in the number 10 role, but can play further forward or out wide if needed. He played 17 league games for Nottingham Forest’s U21 side last season, scoring six goals and getting two assists as his side reached the play-offs in the Premier League 2.
Konate came through the ranks at Le Havre and made the move to Forest in 2021.
At 23, Konate doesn’t have a lot of senior appearances under his belt. He had a brief spell on loan in League One at Oxford United, but just five appearances in the third tier didn’t really give him the chance to get going and make a mark.
His Forest release will likely end up being the best thing for the 23-year-old as it provides him the opportunity to find a new home and start building much-needed experience in the senior game.
He evidently carries a goal threat and undoubtedly could be a useful player to have in the second or third tier, but whether he could go into sides such as Leeds United or Sunderland and contribute consistently remains to be seen.
