OGC Nice Prepare Opening Bid For Manchester City Defender As Third Premier League Club Enters Race

Ligue 1 side OGC Nice are preparing their opening offer for in-demand Manchester City full-back, Issa Kabore - according to reports in France.

The highly-rated defender has been subject to plenty of interest this summer, both from England and further afield.

Following a hugely successful season on-loan with City Football Group-owned ESTAC Troyes in France, the young full-back enjoyed yet more success at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Following his performances with Burkina Faso, Kabore was awarded as the Best Young Player of the Tournament.

Kabore and his Burkina Faso teammates defied all the odds by reaching the semi-final stage of the competition, and finished fourth overall via a third-place play-off defeat to Cameroon on penalties.

Issa Kabore (Image: Orange Pics BV / Alamy)

Manchester City initially renewed Issa Kabore's loan with ESTAC Troyes by a further season, however given the level of interest in the player, there is now a significant decision to be made.

It seems as though Etihad officials will recall Kabore from the Ligue 1 sister-club in order to sell the player on a permanent deal and continue their pursuit of raising significant funds this summer.

This week, it has been revealed by multiple sources that a further two clubs have joined the race for the player.

Firstly, according to the information of Le Parisien journalist Benjamin Quarez, Premier League side Brentford are interested in the Manchester City defender.

They are now also joined by Ligue 1 club OGC Nice, as per Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato.

It is claimed that the French club are the hottest suitors in the country for Kabore, and have already started discussions with Manchester City and are preparing an offer for the player.

Issa Kabore in action for Troyes

Detailing the fees involved, the report claims that Manchester City are hoping for €15 million for the player. 

However, from the side of the French club, it is stated that OGC Nice would be ready to go up to €10 million.

Elsewhere in England, two other Premier League sides have been reported to be holding an interest in Issa Kabore.

Newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest were one of the first clubs to have made enquiries this summer, with Steve Cooper on the search for a potential Djed Spence replacement.

Additionally, Southampton are also said to have held an admiration and interest for Manchester City's rising star.

The south coast club have been hot on the tails of multiple City youngsters this summer, having already completed the signing of one, and closing in on the signing of a second.

Gavin Bazunu completed a permanent deal in the region of £10 million, while Romeo Lavia is expected to complete a medical this week in a deal worth upwards of £14 million.