Nottingham Forest target Javi Rueda amid Dodô talks

Nottingham Forest have reportedly identified Celta Vigo right-back Javi Rueda as a transfer target, with the Premier League club prepared to more than double the Spaniard's current salary.

Forest are already working on a deal for Fiorentina defender Dodô, but negotiations over personal terms have yet to produce an agreement. That uncertainty may have encouraged Oliver Glasner's side to explore another option.

Radio Galega journalist Víctor López reports that Nottingham Forest want Rueda and are prepared to offer the 24-year-old a significant pay rise to tempt him away from Celta Vigo.

Rueda is said to be happy at the Spanish club, meaning Forest will need to convince him that a move to the City Ground is the right next step.

The Reds are reportedly willing to offer him more than double his current salary, although no specific figures have been disclosed.

Spanish newspaper AS has also backed up Forest's interest.

Rueda joined Celta's academy from Real Madrid in 2023 before making his first-team debut a year later. He subsequently spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Albacete.

After returning to Vigo, he established himself in the first team and made 38 appearances last season, contributing four goals and seven assists.

Rueda signed a new Celta contract in November which runs until 2029, but that agreement reportedly contains a €30m release clause.

That provides Forest with a straightforward route to a transfer if they are prepared to meet the clause and Rueda agrees to the move.

The player's decision therefore appears crucial. There is currently no indication in the supplied reporting that he has accepted Forest's proposal or decided to leave Celta.

Real Madrid would also benefit financially from any transfer because they retain 50% of Rueda's rights.

Forest's pursuit of Rueda comes while they continue working on a separate deal for Dodô.

The Reds have reportedly agreed to pay Fiorentina €10m plus bonuses, but an agreement with the Brazilian over his salary is still missing.

It remains unclear whether Rueda is being considered as a direct alternative to Dodô or whether Forest could pursue both players. What is clear is that right-back remains an area Glasner wants strengthened before the transfer window closes.

Forest must now wait for Rueda's response to their interest while negotiations with Dodô continue. If the Spaniard gives the green light, his €30m clause provides a clear route to completing the transfer without lengthy negotiations with Celta.

Should Nottingham Forest pursue Javi Rueda or focus on completing the cheaper deal for Dodô?