Nottingham Forest are reportedly in negotiations with free agent Andre Ayew over a ‘short term deal’ - but Steve Cooper could face a dilemma should a transfer be completed.
The former Swansea City man is available on a free transfer after leaving Qatari side Al-Saad just a few days ago. His contract status means that he can join a club outside of the transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, Forest are now negotiating with Ayew over a deal at the City Ground, with the Reds looking to have beat off competition from fellow Premier League side Everton. Cooper has previously worked with Ayew during both men’s time at Swansea City.
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Should a deal be done, then he will become the 30th new player to sign for Forest since the end of last season. Steve Cooper added midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, defender Felipe and goalkeeper Keylor Navas to his squad on deadline day.
However, another deadline deal that seems to have hit a snag could cause a problem for Cooper if Ayew joins the club. Midfielder Lewis O’Brien looked set to join Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan, but that deal is yet to receive confirmation from the EFL after going right down to the wire.
Should the move not go through, then O’Brien will remain with Forest until the end of the season. The arrival of Ayew means that somebody will have to be left out of the 25-man Premier League squad, the likely candidate being O’Brien.
The squad has to be submitted to the Premier League by 3pm today (Thursday), meaning that Forest will have to hope there’s no late problem in the Ayew move should they decide to leave O’Brien out.
The former Huddersfield man has fallen down the pecking order at the City Ground this season after moving from the John Smith’s Stadium in the summer. The 24-year-old has made a total of 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign, scoring one goal.
