Everton still hope to salvage a deal for Andre Ayew as he heads north for face-to-face talks

Andre Ayew has landed in London after receiving a £2.5million golden handshake to clear his return to English football, with Everton set for talks with the forward as they try to salvage their botched transfer window.

Ayew has jetted into the capital from the Middle East to negotiate his anticipated return to the Premier League, news exclusively revealed by MailOnline on Wednesday morning.

Having held an initial round of discussions, that included sporting director Kevin Thelwell, relegation-threatened Everton are due to hold further face-to-face talks with Ayew.

However, there are no guarantees the former Swansea and West Ham star will join Everton with Nottingham Forest, among other clubs, also interested.

Ayew shares a close relationship with Forest boss Steve Cooper following their time together at Swansea, while Crystal Palace have a shown an interest in the past.

Having arrived in London on Wednesday night, Ayew will head north ahead of expected talks with Everton and Forest, which are expected to take place in the next 24 hours.

The Toffees are underfire from supporters after a sorry January window saw them add no new recruits.

Everton have considered offering Ayew, whose brother Jordan plays for Crystal Palace, a deal until the end of the season.

Ayew is a free agent meaning he can still join Everton despite the transfer window closing.

The Ghana legend joined Qatari side Al Sadd in July 2021, signing a two year deal with an option for a further 12 months worth £5million per season after tax.

Sportsmail can reveal that Ayew needed to play just five more games to trigger the 12 month extension, which would have taken him to the end of next season.

However, the forward is keen to explore a return to Europe and reached a mutual financial contractual settlement agreement with Al Sadd freeing him to return to England.

The forward, however, may struggle to secure an instant FA work permit if he reaches an agreement with an English team.

But there is confidence he will eventually be granted clearance upon appeal.

Earlier this year, Diego Costa was cleared to play for Wolves following a work permit appeal in similar circumstances.

Everton fired blanks in their attempts to sign a new forward on during the closing days of the January window.

They tried to hijack Southampton’s move for Rennes attacker Kamaldeen Sulemana on transfer deadline day despite the fact the 20-year-old had already agreed a move to St Mary’s.

They failed to sign Ismaila Sarr from Watford. They also saw late enquires for Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta rebuffed.

Last week Arnaut Danjuma reneged on an agreement to join Everton, instead deciding to sign for Tottenham.

The possibility of landing Ayew on a free transfer provides Everton with renewed hope of reinforcing their attacking options for the relegation run-in - but his signing is no longer a forgone conclusion.