Ligue 1 side FC Metz have opened negotiations with Udinese over the transfer of Ghanaian defender Nicholas Opoku.

The 22-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at Amiens who ended up being relegated. Amiens were still interested in making the Opoku deal permanent and wanted to activate the €4.5 million option to buy him, however the player refused.

Before being loaned out this season, Nicholas Opoku played in seven games for Udinese, starting six of them. He managed eight interceptions and won five tackles in those games.

A move has always been on the cards this summer, and Metz look the most interested as the French club's negotiations for Opoku are advanced according to reports. Metz look to bolster their defence with Mamadou Fofana expected to leave the club.

If the deal is successful, we could see a Ghanaian center back pairing at Metz next season with John Boye already a key figure at the club.