NOTTINGHAM Forest’s new links with clubs in Spain could be about to pay off for the first time.
According to reports in Spain the Reds are close to signing Barcelona B defender Roger Riera.
The 19-year-old, if signed, could be the first of several new arrivals from Europe, with Forest having begun work to build closer relations with several Spanish clubs last season.
The 19-year-old, if signed, could be the first of several new arrivals from Europe, with Forest having begun work to build closer relations with several Spanish clubs last season.
The Reds believe there could be an untapped market of young talent among the players released by the major clubs in the country.
They have spent recent months working to build stronger contacts in Spain, with lead professional development coach Jimmy Gilligan having been heavily involved in the project.
And Riera could be the first of the new additions, who would go into the club’s under-21 squad with a view to ultimately being honed for a first team place in the future.
Central defender Riera skippered the Barca under-19 side that won the UEFA Youth League last season and was captain of his side through several different age groups.
