Nottingham Forest have potentially been given a boost in their pursuit of would-be record-signing Alex Baena as fellow Premier League suitors look elsewhere for alternative options.

Forest are believed to be exploring the option to activate the £51 million release clause in the Villarreal winger's contract, which expires in 2028.

The 23-year-old has been in fine and frequent form in the last 18 months, notching up 26 goal contributions in 52 La Liga outings and earning eight Spain caps in both Euro 2024 and Olympic Gold Medal wins.

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The Spaniard has attracted interest from all corners of Europe but Forest, Newcastle and Germany heavyweights Bayern Munich are said to be toying with the idea of signing the player before the January transfer window shuts.

However, despite their apparent financial advantage over the Reds, Newcastle may not contest for Baena's signature as they sound out attacking options elsewhere.

Chronicle Live reports that the Magpies have joined the queue to sign French side Lille's star striker, Jonathan David, later this year. The striker is set to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe this year.

The Canadian, who can play either on the left wing or as a central striker, is expected to leave Lille for free at the end of the season as he runs down his contract.

David has found the net on 11 occasions in Ligue 1 this season in just 18 games as well as four times in six Champions League outings.

But, Newcastle's interest in him, along with the goal-scoring form Alexander Isak is currently in, could mean the club will bow out of the race for Baena's signature.

Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will no doubt take this to be good news if it is the case, though the extent of Bayern's interest in the winger is yet to be seen.

Elsewhere, Forest have been rebuffed by fellow Premier League side Brentford after bidding £22 million for frontman Yoane Wissa.

Nuno seems keen to reinforce his attacking options as Taiwo Awoniyi looks set to depart the club and the dependency on Chris Wood's goals increases as the season deepens. The striker has bagged 42% of Forest's Premier League goals this season.