Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Stephen Pearson from Derby, skysports.com understands.
Winger keen to leave Rams
Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Stephen Pearson from arch-rivals Derby, skysports.com understands.
Pearson is hoping to secure a move away from Pride Park after falling out of favour under Paul Jewell.
The Scotland international came close to a switch to Birmingham earlier this summer only for the transfer to fall through.
Pearson opted against a move to St Andrews after Birmingham tried to change the terms of the arrangement to a loan deal because of a slight injury.
Forest have been keeping tabs on Pearson's situation all summer with City Ground boss Colin Calderwood believed to be a big admirer of the 25-year-old.
The Championship new boys are reported to have made an enquiry for the former Celtic player and hope to lure him to the City Ground with the promise of first-team football.
Pearson could be an ideal replacement for Kris Commons, who ironically left Forest for Derby earlier this summer.
A number of Premier League clubs are also thought to be tracking Pearson, and although the winger would prefer a permanent switch from Derby he is believed to be ready to consider a loan move to the top flight if the right offer comes along.
