Nottingham Forest have completed their first January signing, bringing in midfielder Filip Krovinovic on loan from Benfica.
The 25-year-old has been on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but that has been cut short and he joins up with Chris Hughton’s squad.
The Reds boss is said to have had his eye on Krovinovic for some time as he looked to bolster his team during the January transfer window.
Forest are understood to have faced competition for his services, with Hajduk Split, PAOK, Dynamo Zagreb and fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned side Olympiacos all linked.
But the Croat will now spend the rest of the season at the City Ground.
Krovinovic has made 12 appearances for the Baggies this term, in his second loan spell with the club.
He was a regular last season as Albion secured promotion to the Premier League, weighing in with three goals and playing 43 games in all competitions.
A versatile player, he can play in a deeper role or in a more advanced position.
And with Forest struggling with injuries in midfield, will prove a welcome addition.
Jack Colback and Harry Arter remain sidelined, while the club are waiting to discover the extent of Ryan Yates’ calf problem which has definitely ruled him out of tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Swansea City.
Among Hughton’s more attacking options, Luke Freeman is also yet to be available, following surgery for a hernia problem.
Up until now, the Reds’ sole January business had been to extend the loan of Anthony Knockaert from Fulham, with Tendayi Darikwa and Nicholas Ioannou both heading out the exit door.
