Real Betis star Alex Moreno has reportedly rejected the chance to sign for Nottingham Forest this summer after a fee had been agreed for his services.
Forest had a £9million offer accepted for the left-sided defender or midfielder over the weekend and a medical was booked in. However, Moreno has done a complete U-turn and decided to remain in Seville instead.
The 29-year-old looked set to become the club’s 13th signing of an incredibly busy summer.
He was expected to compete with Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards for the left wing-back role.
Moreno confirmed his stay at last season’s Copa del Rey winners via Instagram. When translated, the post read: “Hello Beticos and Beticas, I want to share this message with you to tell you that Real Betis will continue to be my home this season.”
The former Rayo Vallecano would have earned a bumper pay rise had he moved to the City Ground.
However, Forest will have to go back to the drawing board in their search for more signings.
Moreno’s snub will have come as a massive blow, however. City Ground transfer chiefs spent weeks pursuing the experienced defender and thought the deal was in the bag.
Steve Cooper’s men got off to a disappointing start in their long-awaited return to England’s top flight on Saturday.
They failed to muster a shot on target in their 2-0 loss at Newcastle. And they will certainly be hoping for much better this weekend.
Forest take on West Ham at home next Sunday, with the Hammers also suffering defeat in their first game.