Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Bristol City are all interested in signing Nimes midfielder Theo Valls when his contract expires in the summer, reports have claimed.

A graduate of Nimes' academy, Valls has made a total of 158 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring seven goals and helping them win promotion to the French top-flight in the 2017/18 season.

The 24-year-old's contract with Nimes is set to expire in the summer however, and it seems that has put a number of clubs on alert.

According to the Nottingham Post, reports in French press have claimed that Forest, Bristol City and Brentford are all interested in a move for the holding midfielder, as are Nimes' French top-flight rivals Angers and Brest, with second-tier outfit Lens also linked.

The fact that Valls is out of contract in the summer - and therefore available on a free transfer - could benefit those sides interested in a move, given the financial implications brought about by the current suspension - or cancellation in France's case - of the football season, with the loss of income on matches yet to be played potentially forcing clubs to scour the market for signings at a reduced price.

As things stand, Brentford and Forest are currently locked together on 60 points in fourth and fifth place in the Championship table respectively, with Bristol City five points further back in seventh.

The Verdict

This looks like it could be a decent signing for one of these sides.

At 24-years-old, Valls still has plenty of time remaining in his career, but already has plenty of experience under his belt, with his time in the top-flight in France over the past couple of season something that could be useful for one of those interested Championship sides.

Add to that the fact that Valls will seemingly soon be available on a free, and with the financial problems brought about by the current situation, it seems as though this could be a move well worth considering.