Nottingham Forest are close to completing a deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
The 22-year-old is viewed as a key target for new Forest boss Oliver Glasner, and talks have progressed in recent days.
While a final agreement still needs to be reached, sources indicate a deal between the clubs is now close, with discussions at an advanced stage.
Dembele has a £68.2m release clause but Forest are keen to land the Ivory Coast international for a lower fee.
Glasner is a huge admirer of Diomande and tried to sign the central defender for Crystal Palace.
Diomande has made more than 150 senior first-team appearances, including 15 appearances for his national team.