Nottingham Forest set to complete £9m deal as club prepare for star’s exit

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Nottingham Forest are set to complete the signing of La Liga ace Alex Moreno with Pep Chavarria replacing the Premier League-bound left-back at Real Betis, as reported by El Periodico de Aragon. 

In a summer of new faces, it the old guard – or at least a couple of them – who took on Newcastle United during Forest’s first top-flight fixture in over two decades on Saturday afternoon. 

Jack Colback, Sam Surridge, Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall and Brennan Johnson all started during the 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park. How many of that aforementioned quintet are still part of Steve Cooper’s best XI when the window closes at the start of September, however, remains to be seen. 

And Harry Toffolo, fresh from his Premier League debut, may already be glancing nervously over his own shoulder.

Because, after two failed bids, Nottingham Forest have finally agreed a fee with Copa del Rey winners Real Betis for 29-year-old Alex Moreno.

According to El Desmarque and The Telegraph, Forest will pay an initial £9 million for the one-time Fulham target. Far less than the £20 million Betis were initially demanding.

Alex Moreno set to leave Real Betis for Nottingham Forest

Moreno was La Liga’s most productive left-back last term, producing a combined 10 goals and assists. The former Espanyol flyer will undergo a medical at the City Ground later this week. And Real Betis are wasting no time as they look to bring in a replacement either. 

Pep Chavarria, a 22-year-old from Real Zaragoza, will take Moreno’s place on the left-hand side of Manuel Pellegrini’s XI. 

Nottingham Forest, after taking their tally of new signings into double figures, are also chasing Remo Freuler. Forest have offered £9 million for Atalanta’s versatile Swiss international. And Atalanta, like Real Betis, are already in hot pursuit of a replacement. 

The play-off winners could also smash their transfer record for the second time this summer. A £25 million deal is in the offing for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos.