Nottingham Forest are set to win the race to land Andre Ayew, with a move to the City Ground the forward’s primary focus.
Ayew has also held talks with Everton sporting director Kevin Thelwell, but the Ghana legend has made Forest his first choice destination.
The former West Ham and Swansea forward jetted into London from the Middle East to negotiate his anticipated return to the Premier League, news exclusively revealed by MailOnline on Wednesday morning.
Having arrived in London on Wednesday night, Ayew headed north ahead of expected talks with Everton and Forest, which are expected to take place in the next 24 hours.
Ayew is a free agent meaning he can still join Forest or Everton despite the transfer window closing.
Ayew's potential move to Forest is dependent on Lewis O’Brien moving to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, in order for the club to be able to register the forward.
Ayew has played for Swansea, where he worked with Forest boss Steve Cooper, and West Ham in the English top flight.
The 33-year-old is an experienced operator at European level and play all across the attacking line.
The Ghana legend joined Qatari side Al Sadd in July 2021, signing a two year deal with an option for a further 12 months worth £5million per season after tax.
The 33-year-old has played a key role for Al Sadd since his arrival scoring 22 goals in just 38 games since his arrival, helping the club win the league and cup in his first season.
Ayew - who has scored four goals in his last five games for the Qatari champions - needed to play just five more games to trigger the 12 month extension in his contract.
However, the forward is keen to explore a return to Europe and reached a mutual financial contractual settlement agreement with Al Sadd freeing him to return to England.
The forward, however, may struggle to secure an instant FA work permit if he reaches an agreement with an English team.
But there is confidence he will eventually be granted clearance upon appeal.
Forest finished the transfer window by signing defender Felipe from Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper Keylor Navas from Paris St Germain and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from Newcastle, to add to the captures of Chris Wood, Danilo and Gustavo Scarpa earlier in January.