Fort's future could be resolved within days, with Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad the two clubs in contention to sign the Barcelona right-back.
Dortmund had appeared best placed after lengthy negotiations, with Barcelona said to be seeking around €15 million for a player who had wanted to stay in Catalonia but whom the club intends to sell, provided the fee includes a buy-back option.
Real Sociedad, aware that talks between Barcelona and Dortmund have yet to be finalised, have moved to take advantage, preparing an opening offer designed to satisfy Barcelona's valuation and put themselves in direct competition for the 20-year-old, who is expected to leave the Camp Nou this summer regardless of destination.
Real Sociedad are also negotiating for Jonathan Jesus, a 22-year-old right-footed Brazilian centre-back at Cruzeiro. President Jokin Aperribay and director of football Erik Bretos travelled to Brazil to present an offer of €13 million in person, only for it to be rejected by the Brazilian club.
Reports in Brazil suggest Cruzeiro would not let the player leave for less than around €20 million, roughly double Real Sociedad's opening bid.
Standing 1.87 metres tall, Jonathan Jesus is considered one of the most promising defenders in Brazilian football, comfortable playing out from the back and equally capable on his left foot despite naturally favouring his right.
Cruzeiro supporters have reacted strongly to reports of the €13 million offer, viewing it as well below the player's value and hoping the club's board holds out for a fee closer to their own valuation.
With only ten days of the transfer window remaining, Real Sociedad's sporting leadership must now decide whether to improve their proposal or explore alternative options for the centre-back position, while the Fort situation is expected to move quickly one way or the other in the meantime.