Nottingham Forest have entered the race to sign Levante's Chema Rodriguez, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

It is reported that French club Brest are also interested in the defender so Forest could have a battle on their hands.

However, that doesn't mean the 27-year-old should be too costly, as he is unfavoured by his manager and only has a year remaining on his contract, which suggests a deal could be worked out.

Rodriguez joined Levante in 2016 and was a pivotal member of their promotion-winning team, but has since found game time fairly limited whilst the club has been in La Liga.

Forest aren't short of central defenders which would make this a surprise move. Joe Worrall returned from his loan spell last season and went straight into the starting lineup against West Brom alongside Michael Dawson, whilst Yoann Benalouane, Michael Hefele and Tobias Figueiredo are all still at the club.

The Verdict

This would be a strange move by the club as defence is arguably the last position which requires improvement, and therefore Sabri Lamouchi would be better off spending money elsewhere.

Rodriguez would likely be an improvement on the current crop, however, and his experience in winning promotion is exactly what Forest need, but if he takes time to settle and doesn't speak English then it would be a risk to bring him in this late.

His arrival would also not inspire any confidence or hope in the defenders already at the club, as it would send a message to them that they aren't good enough or are not wanted by the manager.

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