Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Bordeaux striker Hwang Ui-Jo, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Forest present offer
The 29-year-old is looking for a fresh start after suffering relegation with the French giants last season, and as a result of entering the last year of his contract he is available on a cut-price deal.
The forward hasn’t been short of potential suitors, with fellow Premier League club Wolves, alongside Nantes and Brest, all interested in his services.
Recent reports suggested that the Reds made the South Korean an offer after identifying him as a transfer target, and it appears that this has been accepted, meaning that they have won the race for his signature.
The Latest: Forest set to sign Ui-Jo
Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Forest are ‘close’ to making Hwang their 17th summer signing after reaching an agreement with Bordeaux.
Evangelos Marinakis will then send him out on a temporary deal to his other club, Olympiacos.
“Bordeaux striker Hwang Ui-jo is close to sign with Nottingham Forest on three years contract, then he will be loaned one year to Olympiacos.
“Deal agreed with Bordeaux for €5m.”
The Verdict: Clever from Olympiacos
With Emmanuel Dennis having put pen to paper on a deal at the City Ground, it makes sense that Forest are planning to loan Hwang out, but he will be a fantastic option to have in the building when he returns.
The 45-cap international, dubbed a ‘wonderful player to coach’ by former Bordeaux manager Jean-Louis Gasset, netted 11 goals and provided two assists in Ligue 1 last season, via Transfermarkt, impressive numbers in a struggling side and similar to Dennis' campaign with Watford.
At around £4.25m, Hwang is an absolute bargain, and if he can be the standout performer in a struggling side, just imagine how much he would flourish under the guidance of someone like Steve Cooper in years to come.