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.
