This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Nantes have submitted a bid for Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba.

As per Football Insider, the Ligue 1 outfit are looking to exploit the uncertainty over the goalkeeper's future at the City Ground by making them an offer for the shot-stopper.

Samba told the club last week that he is not willing to sign a new deal with the Reds, and that he wants to leave this summer.

With the goalkeeper entering the final year of his contract, Nantes hope that Forest can be persuaded to cash in on the 28-year-old now, rather than potentially lose him for nothing at the end of next season.

With that being said, we asked some of our writers here at FLW what stance they think Forest should take with regards to Samba this summer, and what they thought the shot-stopper was worth.

Billy Mulley

I have to admit it took me by surprise when it emerged that Brice Samba wanted to leave Nottingham Forest almost immediately after securing promotion to the Premier League.

Whether he sees his future elsewhere, or this is all part of a ploy to earn a more favourable contract remains to be seen, however, interest is evidently there for him.

It is unknown how much Nantes' bid was for the 28-year-old, and it is also difficult to determine how much Forest value him at.

His current contract expires in 2023, which naturally lowers the value of what Forest can expect to generate from his sale.

However, given his importance in the team, general ability, and likelihood of continuing to progress, they will likely demand something that will help them dive back into the market.

I would give a range of something between £5-10 million.

 

 

Adam Jones

If Samba wants to leave no matter what contract is offered to him, Nottingham Forest should be looking to sell him on for the best possible fee they can.

It would be a big loss because although the shot-stopper can make errors at times, something that may come under increased scrutiny in the Premier League, he can be a top-quality player on his day.

Also a real asset to have in the dressing room, Steve Cooper's side should be looking to keep him if there's a resolution that can be reached.

With just one year left on his contract, they probably won't even be able to generate £5m for him with other clubs potentially waiting until next summer to pounce.

Ned Holmes

I would be very tempted to cash in.

Brice Samba was one of Nottingham Forest's play-off heroes but I'm not convinced he's cut out for Premier League football.

The shot-stopper can be supreme on his day but he's also a little unreliable and is prone to moments of madness.

I'm not sure that's what Forest need between the sticks ahead of their return to the Premier League.

They need a calm and reliable presence behind the backline, so they could capitalise on this opportunity.

Samba seems to want to use it to get the Reds to increase their offer but if there was an offer of above £5 million, I would cash in and chase Sam Johnstone.