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Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande has now collapsed after weeks of increasingly frustrating negotiations with Sporting CP. It had become pretty clear something wasn’t right. A deal looked close not long ago. Then talks slowed to a crawl as both clubs dug their heels in over the structure of the transfer. Now, according to Maisfutebol journalist Bruno Andrade, the move is off. The transfer had been moving quickly before everything stalled. Portuguese reports even claimed Forest and Sporting had reached an agreement. Only the final payment terms were left to settle. However, that optimism has now disappeared. Nottingham Forest talks break down Bruno Andrade reports the negotiations “have collapsed” following a major disagreement between representatives of the two clubs. The transfer had been discussed around the €40m (£34.7m) mark. The problem goes beyond the fee itself. A serious breakdown in relations between those leading the negotiations has brought the process to a halt. Only a “major turnaround” between the clubs would allow Diomande to complete a move to the City Ground before the summer window closes. That is of course a dramatic change from the mood in Portugal over the past couple of days, when the transfer was repeatedly described as being virtually done. Portuguese media will no doubt blame Evangelos Marinakis’ hardball approach at the negotiating table, and they’re unlikely to be alone after the deal fell apart. Defender could return to Rui Borges’ plans Ousmane Diomande had missed all of Sporting’s pre-season friendlies because of the ongoing talks with Nottingham Forest. If nothing changes, the Ivory Coast international is now expected to return to Rui Borges’ squad after spending recent weeks waiting for the transfer to be completed. Whether this is the end of Nottingham Forest’s interest or simply another twist in a saga that has already taken several unexpected turns remains to be seen. For now, though, the deal appears to be dead.