Nottingham Forest ‘one step away’ from Javi Rueda signing in cut-price deal

Nottingham Forest are reportedly one step away from signing Celta Vigo right-back Javi Rueda, with negotiations now focused on the final details of the transfer.

The 24-year-old has already given his approval to the move, while Forest are expected to secure him for considerably less than his reported release clause.

Nottingham Forest only recently emerged as serious contenders for Rueda but have accelerated negotiations during the final days of the transfer window.

According to Faro de Vigo, the Premier League side have made a significant push and the defender is now “one step away” from moving to the City Ground.

There have been conflicting reports regarding Rueda’s release clause, with figures of €30m and €40m mentioned.

Forest will not need to pay anything close to either amount.

The expected transfer fee is reportedly between €15m and €20m, with the two clubs now working to finalise the remaining details.

Rueda has already approved the transfer and is set to receive a significant salary increase in England.

Forest were reportedly prepared to more than double his current wages, strengthening their position in negotiations with the player.

Celta Vigo had originally planned to keep the Spaniard and give him a more prominent role following Óscar Mingueza’s departure, but Forest’s late intervention appears to have changed the situation.

There is also an important financial element for Celta. Rueda’s former club Real Madrid retain 50% of his rights, meaning Celta will only receive half of the eventual transfer fee.

Forest’s move for Rueda comes while their negotiations for Fiorentina right-back Dodô remain unresolved.

Oliver Glasner wants another option on the right side of his defence and Forest have been working on the Brazilian, but an agreement with Fiorentina has yet to be reached.

That has allowed the Rueda operation to accelerate.

At between €15m and €20m, the Celta defender could also represent a significantly cheaper solution as Forest look to complete their squad before the deadline.

Nottingham Forest and Celta Vigo still need to finalise the remaining details of the agreement, but the transfer now appears to be at an advanced stage.

With Rueda already giving the green light, personal terms are unlikely to prevent the move.

Attention will also turn to what the deal means for Forest’s pursuit of Dodô. If Rueda arrives, Glasner’s need for another right-back could be resolved without Forest having to continue difficult negotiations with Fiorentina.