Djamel Abdoun: Nottingham Forest sign Algeria winger

Nottingham Forest have signed Algeria winger Djamel Abdoun for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £1.55m.

Abdoun, who has 11 caps, joins on a three-year deal from Olympiakos and says he turned down offers from the Premier League and across Europe.

"The owner [Fawaz Al Hasawi] wants to make a good project and it's a good challenge," the 27-year-old told BBC East Midlands Today.

"I'll give my best, play with heart and hope we can go to the Premier League."

Abdoun, who spent time on loan with Manchester City in 2007, was in the Algeria squad at the 2010 World Cup and has been playing in Greece since the start of the 2010/11 season.

"I want to prove my quality," he said. "I played seven years ago with Manchester City, but I was very young.

"For a long time I want to play in England; the people love football. It is time for a new challenge.

"I had many clubs that wanted me but I give my word to the owner and I can't go back and when I say something I do it.

"I like to dribble and I like to cross but the most important thing is to help the team to success and to play with my heart."

Abdoun's move to the City Ground will see him link up with international team-mate Adlene Guedioura.

"I spoke with Adlene and he explained Nottingham is a family, with fantastic fans and that's important for me," Abdoun added.

Forest are also still interested in Burnley striker Charlie Austin and QPR forward Jamie Mackie, but QPR are also stepping up their interest in Austin after seemingly failing in their attempts to sign Norwich-bound Gary Hooper from Celtic.

The Reds are also looking to bolster their defensive options and have made bids for former players Wes Morgan of Leicester City and Celtic's Kelvin Wilson.