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Nottingham Forest are hoping to agree a deal to sign Pele, a Guinea-Bissau international midfielder from Monaco, on loan.

The 28-year-old joined the French club in the summer in a 10m euro move, but has found his first-team opportunities limited during the short, difficult spell in charge for Thierry Henry, making only eight appearances so far this season.

The deal to take him to France saw Benfica and Rio Ave share the transfer fee, with the powerful 6ft player signing a five-year deal with the Ligue 1 side.

Pele – who has the full name of Judilson Mamadu Tuncará Gomes – began his career with Belenenses in Portugal, which was the country of his birth.

He moved to Genoa in January 2011, before switching to another Italian club, Milan, the following August.

(Image: Getty)

The midfielder did not make a Serie A appearance for the Italian giants, instead heading out for numerous loan spells at Arsenal Kyiv, Olhanense and Belenenses, before a permanent move to Benfica.

He again went out on loan to Pacos Ferreira and Fierense, before joining Rio Ave, where he enjoyed the most successful spell of his career, scoring seven goals in 31 appearances, while helping the club to qualify for the Europa League.

Overall, Pele has made 149 professional appearances for his clubs, while scoring 17 goals.

He played for the Portugal international side at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, before switching allegiance to the country of his parent’s birth, making his senior debut in a 1-0 win over Namibia in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Pele can play as either an orthodox central midfielder or a deep lying, defensive midfielder.