Nottingham Forest 'in talks' with ex-Derby County man Jamie Ward

Nottingham Forest have reportedly edged closer to securing the signing of Jamie Ward from East Midlands rivals Derby County.

The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer and Derby have not offered him a new deal at the iPro Stadium.

According to the Nottingham Post, Forest were initially put off pursuing Ward because his wage demands would be more than the £10,000-a-week limit imposed on Forest under their Financial Fair Play embargo.

However, the chance to stay in the East Midlands with a promotion-chasing Championship side is believed to have tempted Ward into talks with Forest.

In his final season at Derby, Northern Ireland international Ward scored six goals in 29 appearances.