Nice could be about to step up their pursuit of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma after the departure of Paul Baysse.
The centre-back left the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer and has agreed a four-year deal at Malaga.
It means Nice are now desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements while the window is open.
They have been linked with a move for Zouma in the past and they are now set to explore the possibility of a loan swoop.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte appears ready to let the youngster leave on loan as he bids to bring in either Virgil van Dijk or Leonardo Bonucci.