Nottingham Forest are on the verge of signing USA defender Eric Lichaj, it is understood.
Lichaj, who has just been released by Aston Villa, is expected to have a medical at the City Ground over the next 24 hours.
He is set to join Forest on a two-year contract.
Born in Illinois, Lichaj joined the soccer residency program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida at the age of 14.
He began his youth career with the Downers Grove Roadrunner and later played with Chicago Magic. He signed with the University of North Carolina, but missed what would have been his freshman season with a broken foot.
Nevertheless the Under-20 US international was snapped up by Villa's academy in 2007. He progressed through the youth and reserve ranks, but struggled to gain first-team experience.
Consequently he was sent to Lincoln City on loan in November 2009. The 20-year old served a three-match ban after being sent off against Morecambe, but nevertheless saw his loan spell extended until the New Year.
Lincoln hoped to further extend Lichaj's loan spell, but he returned to Aston Villa in January.
The defender's next move was to Leyton Orient, who he joined on a month-long deal in March 2010.
"We're delighted to welcome Eric to the club," said Orient boss Geraint Williams.
"We've seen him play for Aston Villa's reserves and he's principally a full-back who can play on either side, and he's got a lot of energy and quality.
"He also has what could be a useful weapon in a long throw, and we are looking forward to having him competing for a place in the team over the next month."
The deal was later extended for the final three games of the season.
Lichaj penned a three-year deal with parent club Villa in August 2010. Later that month he was handed his Villa debut in the Europa League play-off away to Rapid Vienna.
Incoming manager Gerard Houllier picked Lichaj for his first top-flight game against Blackpool three months later.
He held on to the right-back spot for four matches before being loaned out to Leeds United in February 2011.
"We're delighted Aston Villa have agreed to let him come," said Elland Road boss Simon Grayson.
"He is a player that they have high hopes for and they believe him coming to Leeds will be beneficial for him and us.
"A few other Championship clubs were interested so we are delighted to get a player that has played international football at different levels."
In March, having made seven appearances for the Championship promotion hopefuls, Lichaj saw his loan spell extended until the end of the season.
His stellar performances resulted in a call-up to the senior USA national side. His first cap came in October 2010 in a friendly against Columbia, and he then went on to earn a place in the US squad for the 2011 Gold Cup.
Lichaj was released from Villa earlier this month. He played 31 times for the club in the league, including 17 times under Paul Lambert last term.
Villa winger Marc Albrighton said of Lichaj: "On the pitch, he's top quality. He's a top footballer. I have said this ever since he came to the club, all the way through the youth, reserves and now the seniors.
"He's versatile. He can right-back, left-back, centre-back, he can play centre midfield, right midfield, left midfield. He can play anywhere."
