Nottingham Forest WIN the race to sign Andre Ayew on a deal until the end of the season

Nottingham Forest have won the race to sign Ghana legend Andre Ayew as Everton continued to fire blanks in the transfer market.

Ayew was of interest to Everton during the closing stages of the January transfer window with sporting director Kevin Thelwell holding initial talks with the striker.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Ayew had flown into London with view to sealing his return to the Premier League at either Goodison Park or the City Ground.

And following talks with Forest chiefs and head coach Steve Cooper yesterday, Ayew quickly made a move to the Midlands his priority.

He underwent a medical yesterday and will complete a short-term deal until the end of the season, pending work permit approval.

Ayew joins on a deal until the end of the season having worked with Steve Cooper at Swansea

Securing clearance to play in England again may not be a formality because Ayew hasn’t played in a top league since 2019.

However, Diego Costa was cleared to play for Wolves following a work permit appeal in similar circumstances earlier this season.

Ayew’s relationship with Cooper, having worked with the manager at Swansea, has been key factor in his decision to pursue a move to Forest.

Everton appeared to be in pole position to land Ayew following talks this week, but their indecision allowed Forest to steal in.

Ayew is a free agent meaning he can still join a new club despite the transfer window closing.

Sportsmail revealed yesterday how he received a £2.5million golden handshake from previous club Al-Sadd to mutually terminate his contract allowing him to return to England.

Ayew had joined the Qatari side in July 2021, signing a two year deal with an option for a further 12 months worth £5million per season after tax. 

He needed to play just five more games to trigger the 12 month extension, which would have taken him to the end of next season.

But the forward was keen to explore a return to Europe and reached a mutual financial contractual settlement agreement.