STEVE COOPER believes Nottingham Forest’s fabled history is helping him fight off foreign rivals after landing highly-rated Troyes defender Giulian Biancone.
The 22-year-old started his career at Monaco and made his senior debut as an 18-year-old in the Champions League before joining Cercle Brugge in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League for two years on loan.
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However he caught Cooper’s eye after impressing for Troyes in Ligue 1 last season and Cooper was quick to persuade him to sign a three year deal at the City Ground.
The Forest boss said: “Giulian is a very talented defender who has attracted lot of interest from clubs across Europe.
“He’s proven himself at the highest level in France and Belgium over recent years, and he recognises what we want to build at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
“He’s a versatile defender who is a very strong addition at centre-back or on the right and we’re delighted to welcome him to Nottingham Forest.”
Biancone made 33 appearances to help Troyes survive in France’s top tier and has represented France at under 19s level.
He said: “I am very happy to arrive at a club like Nottingham Forest.
“I know it’s a big club, very known across Europe and I’m very excited to be joining the club, with its great fanbase and history.
“Having spoken to the head coach, it’s clear that there are exciting times ahead and I’m looking to joining up with my new teammates and getting started in the Premier League.”
Forest are interested in further bolster their squad with the signing of Huddersfield ace Lewis O’Brien.
SunSport can reveal that Cooper’s side are willing to pay £10m for the midfield dynamo.
The newly promoted side have already smashed their club record fee to sign Taiwo Awoniyi from Union Berlin, while also loaning Dean Henderson from Manchester United.
