Nottingham Forest: Ayew interested in move

Nottingham Forest have reportedly been offered the chance to sign forward Andre Ayew, who is now a free agent.

The Lowdown: Ayew available

Former Premier League striker Ayew is available as a free agent after leaving Qatar side Al Sadd earlier in January.

During two spells at Swansea City and two years at West Ham United the Ghanaian international played 89 times in the top-flight, scoring 21 and assisting 12.

Most important to any deal with Forest is that the 33-year-old played 94 times under current Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper whilst at Swansea as they reached the 2019/20 play-offs and the 2020/21 play-off final together.

The Latest: Agent pushing

After leaving Wales in 2021 to join Al Sadd, it seems as though Ayew wants to make one last go of it in England with a move to the Premier League being pushed by his agent.

Sky Sports reported on their deadline day coverage that Forest had been offered the chance to complete a move that could be completed after the 11pm deadline due to him being a free agent – though appeared to suggest the Reds were an unlikely destination.

The report stated: “Free agent Andre Ayew and his representatives will be in the UK on Wednesday to find a new club.

“The 33-year-old is being offered to a number of Premier League sides after leaving Al Sadd earlier this month.

“The Ghanaian has been offered to both Everton and Nottingham Forest, but as much as Forest boss Steve Cooper likes Ayew, having managed him at Swansea, the club currently do not have enough room in their squad to accommodate him.”

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The Verdict: Potential bargain?

At 33 and playing outside of Europe for the past 18 months, it’s hard to judge whether Ayew can still replicate the levels he produced whilst in the Premier League and under Cooper during his time at Swansea City.

With him bagging 22 goals in 39 games out in Qatar, there’s obviously still belief on the player’s behalf that he can still offer a top-flight side the firepower to survive this season, with fellow suitors Everton currently two points from safety.

Despite Forest being four points clear of the drop, their points tally of 21 definitely will not be enough for them to relax with 18 games still to play.

Cooper’s side have scored the third-least in the league, but following Chris Wood’s arrival at the City Ground on an initial loan with an option to buy of £15m (via Sky Sports) and a raft of potential arrivals this deadline day, it’s hard to see where Ayew would fit into the side.