Andre Ayew snubs Everton for Nottingham Forest in another blow after losing Arnaut Danjuma to Tottenham and making no January signings

Ghana striker Andre Ayew has snubbed Everton for Nottingham Forest, signing a deal until the end of the season.

Ayew reunites with Forest manager Steve Cooper, who he worked under at Swansea in the Championship.

The 33-year-old was a free agent after ending his stint at Qatari side Al Sadd, making him available after the close of the January transfer window.

“It’s a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest,” Ayew said.

“I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase. It’s always been difficult whenever I’ve played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium.

“Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch. We have a strong relationship, he’s a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.

“I know what I can bring to the team, I’m ready to give my all and make sure that we are able to stay in the Premier League.”

Everton were said to be keen on bringing him in to strengthen their attacking options after a winter window that saw them become the only Premier League side not to make a signing.

The Toffees thought they had secured Netherlands winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal, but that deal collapsed when he headed to Tottenham, despite passing a medical with the Merseyside squad.

Everton are currently in a relegation battle, sitting 19th in the table with their three victories the fewest of any side.

Frank Lampard was relieved of his duties earlier in January after a poor start to the season, seeing long-time Burnley boss Sean Dyche named as his successor.

Dyche has also been linked with five-time Champions League-winner Isco as another free agent signing as he looks to reverse the club’s downward trajectory.

That won’t have been helped by getting beaten to a player by Forest, though, with the newly-promoted side six points and six places above them in the Premier League.