Nottingham Forest are plotting a move to sign Villarreal defender Pervis Estupinan, according to reports in Europe.
The Lowdown: Facing competition
The left-back will already be familiar with Premier League football having been at Watford before joining the Yellow Submarine back in 2020, but after just two years in La Liga, Unai Emery is believed to be willing to let his man leave.
Steve Cooperâs newly-promoted side were first credited with an interest in the 24-year-old last month, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Lyon and Nice, and following a fresh update from overseas, the Reds seem confident that they can entice their target to the City Ground.
The Latest: Forest target Estupinan
French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) claim that Forest âwish to sign the Ecuador international and hope to close the deal for less than âŹ20mâ (ÂŁ17m).
The source states that Real Betis star Alex Moreno âwas their first choiceâ for that wing-back role, but he supposedly âmade it clearâ that he wished to stay put, with the report being able to âconfirmâ the Midlands outfitâs interest in Estupinan.
The Verdict: Alongside Dennis
Omar Richards is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a hairline leg fracture in pre-season, leaving Harry Toffolo as the main available option on the left, so Steve Cooper needs to sign a new addition in that area, and Estupinan would be the perfect candidate.
The former Hornets man, hailed âone of the best left-backs in La Ligaâ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, would bring a wealth of experience to the Reds backline having made 231 senior career appearances, and he recently helped the Spanish giants win the Europa League in 2020/21.
Forest are said to be closing in on Watfordâs Emmanuel Dennis, and Estupinan could be the next to follow in his footsteps and walk through the doors at the City Ground in the weeks ahead.
