Paul Merson delivers verdict as Nottingham Forest prepare to announce James Ward-Prowse from West Ham

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Once again Nottingham Forest are in the headlines on transfer deadline day with James Ward-Prowse the signing everyone is waiting for.

The Reds have agreed to sign Ward-Prowse on loan until the end of the season with the player on his way to Forest today.

Forest are still in the mix to sign a striker on deadline day but it appears the club won’t be rushing into a signing and might not wait until January.

Ward-Prowse is a master at set pieces and his creative spark from those situations should be most welcomed at Forest.

• READ MORE: Transfer deadline day at Nottingham Forest – what we know so far

Paul Merson delivers verdict on Nottingham Forest signing James Ward-Prowse

This is a bit of a savvy piece of business from a Forest perspective and hopefully, it can be announced soon.

The Reds have moved quickly to land a replacement for Danilo who picked up a cruel ankle injury just 10 minutes into the new season.

Ward-Prowse is undergoing a medical in the East Midlands this afternoon and Merson has now delivered his opinion on the deal.

He told Sky Sports: “He is a great passer of the ball. They have a lot of pace going forward, Nottingham Forest, and they have someone behind them with his talent putting the ball through for them. I think it’s a no-brainer. It’s a good signing. I was a bit shocked when I saw he was going there on loan. A big coup for me, that one.”

Forest could hit the jackpot with James Ward-Prowse

At 29, the 11-time England international is in his prime. Just one year ago, West Ham parted with £30 million and £115,000-a-week in wages to bring him to the London Stadium and that speaks volumes.

Ward-Prowse is only one free-kick away from equaling David Beckham’s record in the Premier League, whilst two would give him the record outright.

Forest might not get themselves a striker this month as the window winds to a halt. However, signing a player like Ward-Prowse should help Forest create more chances for the players that are at the club.

It’s hard not to agree with Merson in this instance. He’s right to suggest that Ward-Prowse is a coup for Forest and if this is the final signing this summer, the club deserves a great deal of praise for the business that’s been done.