Nottingham Forest have been rebuffed in an approach for Montpellier defender Maxime Esteve.
According to L'Equipe, Forest have had a £9.7million bid with add-ons rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit.
The 20-year-old, who has emerged as one of the brightest young defensive talents in France, has a plethora of suitors with Montpellier determined to keep hold of him until at least the end of the season.
A 6ft 4in centre back, Esteve's current contract at the Stade de la Mosson has another two-and-a-half years to run.
As well as Steve Cooper's side, the likes of Everton and Serie A outfit Sassuolo have also approaches turned down.
Forest are also continuing discussions with Palmeiras for Danilo though he has late interest from Monaco.
