Former Manchester United, Newcastle and England striker Andrew Cole has today agreed to join Nottingham Forest.

The 36 year old will arrive at The City Ground on a free transfer after being released by Sunderland at the end of last season.

He will sign a 12-month City Ground contract next week in a move that will represent a homecoming for him as he hails from Nottingham.

Cole will become the fourth player signed by Colin Calderwood as The Reds prepare for their return to the Championship.

His arrival follows the £2.65million acquisition of Robert Earnshaw from Derby; Paul Anderson's capture on a season-long loan from Liverpool and Calderwood's swoop for French midfielder Guy Moussi for an undisclosed fee from Angers.

Cole will bring vast experience to the Forest squad as he not only won five Premier League titles during his time with United but also the Champions League and two F.A. Cups.

He has also scored 187 top-flight goals and is second only to Alan Shearer in all-time Premier League scoring charts.

He's also no stranger to Championship football, having had a spell on loan with Burnley last season during which he scored six goals in 13 appearances. 

Season tickets for Nottingham Forest's return to the Coca-Cola Championship go on general sale from 9am tomorrow. They start from as little as £374 for adults and can be bought in person from the club's Ticket Office or by calling 0871 226 1980.