Nottingham Forest have moved quickly to find an alternative to Javi Rueda, submitting an offer to sign Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Muñoz.
According to David Ornstein, Forest have offered £20million plus £2m in add-ons for the Colombia international as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen the right side of his squad before the transfer deadline.
The move comes after Forest's proposed deal for Rueda dramatically collapsed despite an agreement having been close.
Forest turn to Muñoz after Rueda collapse
Forest appeared on course to sign Rueda from Celta Vigo for around £12.8m.
The 24-year-old had approved the move, but Celta suddenly reversed their decision following public comments from manager Claudio Giráldez, who strongly opposed selling the defender.
Celta only own 50 per cent of Rueda's transfer rights, with Real Madrid entitled to the other half. That significantly reduced the amount Celta would actually receive from the proposed sale.
They have now decided to keep Rueda and are preparing to offer him improved terms.
Forest have also held discussions over Fiorentina's Dodô without reaching an agreement, forcing them to explore another option.
That has led directly to Muñoz.
Nottingham Forest submit £20m plus add-ons
Forest's proposal for Muñoz is worth £20m guaranteed with another £2m available through bonuses.
Crystal Palace are now considering the offer.
Previous reports valued the 30-year-old at around £25m, although Palace's position could be influenced by their signing of Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Muñoz would also provide something Forest currently lack: a natural specialist for the right wing-back position.
Ola Aina can play there but is also capable of operating in the back three, while Neco Williams provides important cover on the opposite flank.
Glasner already knows exactly what Muñoz offers
One major advantage for Forest is Muñoz's previous relationship with Glasner.
The Colombian produced some of his best football under the Austrian at Crystal Palace, operating as the right wing-back in his 3-4-2-1 system.
His intensity, willingness to press and ability to attack the penalty area made him an important part of Glasner's Palace side.
Muñoz registered five goals and four assists in 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
He also provided the cross for Eberechi Eze's winning goal in the 2025 FA Cup final, helping Palace secure the first major trophy in their history.
Unlike Rueda, Muñoz would therefore arrive requiring very little adaptation to Glasner's tactical demands.
Key Points
- Nottingham Forest have submitted a £20m plus £2m add-ons offer for Daniel Muñoz.
- Forest moved for the Crystal Palace defender after Celta Vigo dramatically blocked Javi Rueda's transfer.
- Palace are considering the proposal, having recently strengthened with Anan Khalaili.
- Muñoz already knows Oliver Glasner's 3-4-2-1 system from their successful spell together at Palace.
- The 30-year-old contributed five goals and four assists last season and would provide Forest with an experienced specialist at right wing-back.
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace must now decide whether Forest's £22m package is enough to sanction Muñoz's departure.
Forest could face a decision over whether to improve their proposal if Palace hold out for something closer to £25m. With the Rueda deal off and talks for Dodô yet to produce an agreement, Muñoz has quickly emerged as a serious option for Glasner in the final days of the window.
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