Nottingham Forest: Stephen McLaughlin signs from Derry City

Stephen McLaughlin

Nottingham Forest have signed left winger Stephen McLaughlin from League of Ireland club Derry City on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Forest are understood to have paid an undisclosed six-figure sum for the 22-year-old.

McLaughlin impressed during a recent week-long trial with the club.

"Stephen is an exciting young talent who has been attracting attention from a number of other English clubs," said chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi.

"We are delighted he is joining us and look forward to helping him develop his career and fulfilling his great potential."

McLaughlin was part of the Derry City side which won the FAI Cup in November.

Another Derry player, Barry McNamee, also spent a week on trial with the Championship club, who appointed Alex McLeish as their manager last week.