Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper wants to reinforce his backline by bringing in a centre-back this summer ahead of their first season back in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest have zeroed in on Mainz star Niakhate as their top centre-back target and they have been in talks with the Germans for several days.
It has been claimed that the Nottingham Forest saw Mainz knock back their opening bid for Niakhate, which was floated to be less than £8.5m.
Mainz are tipped to be holding out for a fee in the £13m range for the defender, with Nottingham Forest keen to snap him up.
And the Premier League new boys are prepared to improve tier offer to £10m for the former France under-21s international and are optimistic of their chances of reaching an agreement with Mainz.
Although the fee Nottingham Forest are ready to slap in for Niakhate is slightly less that his asking price, they are positive of sealing a swoop for him.
Negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Mainz are continuing and the English side will hope to reach an agreement over the fee soon.
