Exclusive: Nottingham Forest and Brighton Eye Espanyol Winger Javi Puado on Free Transfer

Nottingham Forest and Brighton want to sign Espanyol winger Javi Puado on a free transfer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The sought-after winger is out of contract next week and our sources have learnt he craves a move to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old Spanish ace was offered a new contract to Espanyol, but after seven seasons at the La Liga club he is understood to be ready for a change.

And both Forest and the Seagulls have identified the attack-minded former Spanish youth international as a player who could blossom in the English top-flight.

Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez went on record as saying the club were doing everything they could to tie Puado down to a new deal in April.

“I hope Javi Puado stays at Espanyol for a long time. The club is doing everything it can to keep him, but there’s also a project issue," told Spanish media. 

He added: “I hope Javi Puado stays at Espanyol for a long time. The club is doing everything it can to keep him, but there’s also a project issue.”

PREMIER LEAGUE DESIRE

However, interest from Premier League clubs has opened Puado’s mind to a chance to test himself in England.

Tottenham Hotspur were rumoured to be interested in signing the player previously, but Spurs never made a formal approach.

And Scottish giants Celtic have been keeping tabs on the winger after an injury to star player Jota.

But Forest and Brighton now look set to battle it out for Puado’s signature ahead of the new season.

Puado started his career with Barcelona but left the Catalan giants to pursue regular football and was given the chance to thrive at Espanyol.

Having represented Spain at Under-20, U21 and U23 level, he won his first senior cap for Spain in June 2021.

But he has not played for national side since and hopes a move to the Premier League can kickstart his international career.