Dougie Freedman's Nottingham Forest are keen on signing former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi on a short-term deal, according to the Times.

Ameobi is currently a free agent, having been released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season, and could be persuaded to drop down a division as he seeks first team opportunities.

He made just four appearances for Palace last season, but racked up almost 400 at the club where he made his name, Newcastle United. Ameobi spent 14-years at St James Park, scoring 79 goals, and has plenty of experience of playing at the highest level.

Forest manager Dougie Freedman is interested in the 33-year old striker as he looks for a replacement for the injured Britt Assombalonga, with the club currently short of attacking alternatives.

With aspirations of a challenge for promotion, Forest are hoping to recruit a striker who can contest current strikers Dexter Blackstock and Tyler Walker's first team spots, but are limited by the FFP restrictions that are currently hanging over the club.

With Freedman limited in terms of the transfers he can bring in at the City Ground, Ameobi would be an ideal signing on a free transfer, but whether the Nigerian international can be persuaded to drop down to the Championship after 15 years remains to be seen.

Forest fans..... What do you make of this news? Would you like to see this ex-Newcastle United man at the City Ground? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!