Nottingham Forest are currently preparing for life outside of the Championship as they embark on their first season in the Premier League in 23 years. 

Securing promotion to England's top-flight via the play-offs, Steve Cooper will now set his sights on ensuring his side avoids an immediate drop. 

With transfer rumours starting to surface more frequently, one uncertain situation that will impact the Reds' summer plans is the future of Brice Samba.

An important reason as to why the Reds shone last season, the 28-year-old has told Forest that he will not sign a new contract and subsequently wants to depart. 

As per a report from Football Insider, the Reds have received a bid from French club Nantes. 

With Samba entering the final year of his current deal at The City Ground, it remains to be seen if the Reds will accept this first offer. 

The verdict 

It is a very strange scenario, and Samba's decision perhaps came as a surprise to those at Forest, as well as fans of the EFL in general. 

With no indication of how sizeable the offer is, it is difficult to formulate an opinion as to whether or not the Reds should cash in. 

Samba enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and he would have seemingly kept his place for the Reds' first campaign back in the Premier League in 23 years. 

Now, it is likely that they will dip back into the transfer market, and whilst Ethan Horvath performed excellently when called upon last season, it is unknown if the Reds view him as someone who can play regularly in the top flight.