Report: Nottingham Forest in pursuit for Real Betis stalwart
Nottingham Forest have reportedly initiated talks with La Liga outfit, Real Betis, over the transfer of left-back Alex Moreno, per The Athletic.
One of the busiest clubs in the Premier League this transfer window, Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest continues to take strides in reinforcing the team to realise their expectations of staying in the top flight while achieving a reasonable finish.
Alex Moreno, 29, was a regular starter for Real Betis under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini — starting in 30 league appearances, netting five times and recording three assists, guiding the Andalusians to a fifth-place finish in La Liga.
The Spaniard is an able attacking-minded left-back who could be deployed as a left winger. A key figure in Betis’ squad last season, he contributed enormously in creating chances from the left flank while adequately tracking back opponents during a break.
According to the report from David Ornstein: it is certain that the talks between the clubs are at the initial stages and although they are yet to reach an agreement, Steve Cooper is “optimistic” that a deal could be struck with Betis following their financial dilemma and the Andalucians’ necessity to offload some players this summer.
🚨 EXCL: Nottingham Forest working on deal to sign Alex Moreno from Real Betis. Negotiations at relatively early stage & 29yo Spaniard believed to be open to possibility but no agreement as yet. #NFFC looking for cover in wing-back positions @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/dv86KLX8Z7
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 18, 2022
How Much Will Alex Moreno Cost Nottingham Forest?
A fee in the region of €20 million for Moreno is expected to be reached between the two clubs ahead of the new season.
Nottingham Forest are also set to sign left-back Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield Town, continuing their bolstering of the left-back position while adding the attacking instinct to it with the prospect of Alex Moreno.
The only rival to Forest for the Spaniard is expected to be Brighton as they are set to lose Marc Cucurella to Manchester City, following his one-year impressing stride with the Seagulls.
Steve Cooper is certainly aware of this possibility and will be looking to close the agreement with Real Betis in the next few days to avoid any kind of transfer battles with any Premier League counterparts.
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Forest has been emphasising much on strengthening their defence during the summer transfer window with the signings of Omar Richards, Giulian Biancone and Neco Williams.