Nottingham Forest suffer Javi Rueda blow as Celta Vigo suddenly block €15m transfer

Nottingham Forest have suffered a major late setback in their pursuit of Javi Rueda, with Celta Vigo reportedly blocking the transfer despite previously reaching an agreement in principle.

Forest had advanced towards signing the 24-year-old right-back for around €15m (£13m), while Rueda had given his approval to the move and personal terms were being finalised.

However, Celta have now dramatically reversed their position and decided to keep the defender.

Forest have been searching for another right-back, with Rueda and Fiorentina defender Dodô emerging as their main options.

The Reds appeared to have made their breakthrough with the Spaniard.

According to reports from Spain, Celta and Nottingham Forest had reached an agreement in principle over a €15m transfer, with Rueda also approving a move to the Premier League.

Oliver Glasner's side were subsequently working on the final details of the player's contract.

Everything pointed towards the transfer being completed before Celta suddenly pulled the plug.

A major factor behind the turnaround appears to have been the intervention of Celta manager Claudio Giráldez.

The coach publicly criticised the possibility of selling Rueda for the figures being discussed and made it clear he considers the defender an important part of his squad.

Giráldez described a potential departure at that price as a "bad sale" and expressed confidence that Rueda would ultimately remain at the club.

His intervention appears to have had an impact.

Celta had been prepared to prioritise the financial benefits of selling Rueda but have now reportedly changed course and placed greater importance on the sporting consequences of losing him.

The reversal represents a considerable disappointment for Forest because Rueda's move had been described as imminent.

The right-back demonstrated his attacking qualities last season with four goals and seven assists from 38 appearances, strengthening Giráldez's determination to retain him.

Rueda is already contracted until 2029, but Celta now reportedly intend to reward him with an improved deal following their decision to prevent his move to England.

Forest must decide whether there is any possibility of changing Celta's mind with an improved proposal or whether to abandon the deal.

With little time remaining in the transfer window, attention could quickly return to Fiorentina's Dodô or another right-back target if Celta maintain their new stance.