Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Orel Mangala this summer, however, there has now been an update from a source close to the player that could write off the club's chance of securing his signature.

What's the latest?

According to Orel Mangala’s agent Mehmet Eser (via Sport Witness), the Nottingham Forest transfer target will likely remain at VfB Stuttgart this summer.

Eser told German news outlet SWR Sport:

“Orel can imagine staying in Stuttgart. VfB has a strong team; they can attack next season,”

“There are clubs who want to sign him, but you have to respect the contract in Stuttgart. If VfB is willing to give him up, then we have to talk.

“Orel needs time in action. The World Cup is his goal. For the next step, the perspective of the project must be right above all. The money is secondary.”

Cooper surely fuming

Steve Cooper will surely be fuming that he is unlikely to add Mangala to his squad at The City Ground this summer especially since the Forest boss has comfortably completed the signing of 11 of his transfer targets.

Nottingham Forest are intent on building a squad fit to compete in the Premier League next season, and after making a £9m bid that was rejected as Stuttgart value the player at £13m it is clear that the club felt that he would be a great addition in the team.

The 24-year-old midfielder, once dubbed a "real talent" by Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, has been a consistent and solid force for his Bundesliga side during last season.

Over 28 league appearances, Mangala scored one goal, delivered three assists and created four big chances, making one key pass and winning 3.5 duels on average per game, as well as being successful in completing his dribbles too (59%).

Nottingham Forest are in the market to replace one of their most important players last season with James Garner returning to Manchester United, although a potential loan deal for the young player to return to the newly-promoted side this summer it is looking impossible to complete after Dean Henderson's move.

With that being said, Mangala could have been a worthy replacement to fill the Garner-shaped hole in the heart of Forest's team, but it could prove difficult following his agent's comments and Cooper should be prepared to look elsewhere.

AND in other news: Cooper plotting Forest bid for "versatile" £6.8m target, imagine him & Lingard