Nottingham Forest have reportedly identified Real Betis defender Alex Moreno as a target before the closure of the summer transfer window.

Since earning a return to the Premier League through the 2021-22 Championship playoffs, Forest have been the most proactive of all the 20 top-flight clubs.

However, it did not prevent the East Midlands outfit from succumbing to a deserved 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at the weekend.

While that result will not necessarily dictate Forest's activity in the transfer market over the coming weeks, it has seemingly strengthened Steve Cooper's desire to sign more players, as he alluded to ahead of the trip to St James' Park.

According to the Daily Mail, Cooper is keen to bring in another fresh face at left wing-back.

Forest have already signed Omar Richards from Bayern Munich this summer but the United States international is currently sidelined through injury.

Harry Toffolo has also arrived at the City Ground from Huddersfield Town, and Jack Colback is capable of deputising out wide if required.

Nevertheless, Cooper seemingly has his sights set on Moreno, who has spent the last three years of his career at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

During that time, the Spaniard has contributed six goals and 11 assists from 103 appearances in all competitions, with his most productive campaign coming last season.

With three years still remaining on his contract, Betis will not be in any rush to part ways with someone who has proven to be a valuable member of the squad.

However, it is claimed that Forest are looking to sign Moreno for a fee in the region of £9m, a fee which will be perceived to be lower than Betis' valuation.

Betis can also offer Europa League football this season on the back of their fifth-placed finish in La Liga.

As it stands, Manuel Pellegrini only has one-cap Spain international Juan Miranda as direct competition for Moreno on the left-hand side of his defence.