CONFIRMED: Fabrizio Romano confirms Nottingham Forest have now reached full agreement on deal to sign Spanish left back Alex Moreno on loan, player set for medical today

Nottingham Forest are set to sign Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno on loan, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Tricky Trees want to strengthen their defensive options with the Spaniard.

Forest have scheduled a medical for the former Real Betis man for Wednesday morning. The terms agreed between the two clubs involve an initial loan period with an option for Forest to make the move permanent.

Moreno’s opportunities at Villa Park have diminished following the arrival of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, adding to competition for places with Lucas Digne.

Despite interest from clubs in his homeland, Moreno has opted to continue his Premier League career at the City Ground.

The 31-year-old struggled to nail down a starting spot at Villa. He played a minute role in their fourth-placed finish last season and subsequent qualification for the Champions League. Moreno made 21 league appearances (11 starts), bagging two goals and helping to keep two clean sheets.

Forest want to strengthen their left-back area after losing Nuno Tavares, who spent last season on loan from Arsenal. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo played right-back Ola Aina as a left-back in their season opener against AFC Bournemouth with Harry Toffolo on the bench.

The Reds have already signed Elliot Anderson, Nikola Milenkovic, Ramon Sosa, Jota Silva, Marko Stamenic, Carlos Miguel, and Eric da Silva Moreira. Forest need reinforcement to keep themselves in the top flight again after escaping the drop by the skin of their teeth last season.

They are still looking for a striker to bolster their forward line. Chris Wood netted in the Premier League opener, continuing his fine form from last season.

However, back-up striker Taiwo Awoniyo suffered an injury in the 18 minutes he spent on the pitch. The Nigerian international has struggled with injury setbacks at the City Ground, and Forest want to sign another centre-forward.

Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah and Feyenoord marksman Santiago Gimenez are reportedly top striking targets for the club.