Nottingham Forest 'bidding hard' in transfer battle for £4m-rated left-back

Nottingham Forest have reportedly submitted a bid for Valencia defender Jesus Vazquez but face competition for his signature.

The 19-year-old Spaniard could be being lined up as a possible replacement for Max Lowe, who is going to be involved in Sheffield United's pre-season plans after a loan spell at the City Ground.

According to Spanish outlet COPE (via Sport Witness), the approach from Steve Cooper's team has not been a subtle declaration of interest over a phone call. They say it has been more of a "hand and fast offer" tactic from staff at the City Ground.

COPE explain that Valencia "urgently need to sell" this summer but have not received any offers for the players they have made available for transfer; Vazquez, however, is drawing transfer interest from Forest and Dutch side Feyenoord despite him making only 15 La Liga appearances, including eight starts.

The reported bid has been hit down by Valencia bosses with a claim that Vazquez is not available for transfer this summer.

Lowe's return to parent club Sheffield United means Forest are searching for a new left-back in the summer transfer window.

His departure back to Bramall Lane - and Gaetan Bong's release this summer - means Cooper is without a senior option on that side of defence. Jack Colback has filled the hole temporarily in Lowe's absence, but he is not seen as a long-term option. Youngster Aaron Donnelly is more likely to be loaned out this summer for first-team experience than thrown into a Premier League first-team.