Nottingham Forest have been boosted in their efforts to sign Real Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola, following his absence from training on Friday.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Odriozola move

The Reds lost Djed Spence after his loan spell came to an end earlier in the summer, replacing him with former Liverpool man Neco Williams at right-back.

It could be that Steve Cooper wants to sign another player in that position, however, and Odriozola has been linked with a move to the City Ground.

The 26-year-old is not needed at Madrid, having spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, and it could be that Forest are closing in on a move for him.

The Latest: Fresh update

AS journalist C.A. Forjanes took to Twitter [via Sport Witness] with an update on Friday, Odriozola didn't train with his Madrid teammates on Friday, with the Spaniard instead 'negotiating his possible departure to England'.

It is mentioned that the player 'has an offer from Nottingham Forest', so it is looking as though he could be the Reds' next signing after Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Verdict: Move looks imminent

This could be a really shrewd addition by Forest, with Odriozola a high-quality right-back who enjoyed an 88.9% pass completion rate in Serie A last season - his quality on the ball is sure to appeal to Cooper.

Presenter Kevin Egan has described him as a 'special player' in the past and the fact that he has made 43 and five appearances for Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively says a lot about his pedigree.

Odriozola could be ideal competition for Williams at right-back, proving to be a more experienced head and being someone the Welshman could also learn from moving forward.