By Ed Aarons BBC Sport, Johannesburg

Tshabalala is eyeing a move to Europe

South African World Cup hero Siphiwe Tshabalala is set for a week-long trial at Nottingham Forest.

The 26-year-old earned rave reviews after scoring the opening goal of the World Cup against Mexico last June.

Tshabalala, who arrives at Forest on Monday, is hoping to seal a move from Kaizer Chiefs for around £1.5 million.

His agent Jazzman Mahlakgane also revealed that there had been interest from the highest level of English football.

"There were a couple of Premier League teams who showed an interest but they took too long to get back to me," he said.

"We had to go for the first assessment that we were offered because there is only a limited amount of time for the deal to be done but at least he will be there in the eyes of the UK football scene."

"He's very excited - like all players, he wants to play at the highest level and Siphiwe showed at the World Cup he is capable of that," Mahlakgane added.

"He's at the perfect age to go overseas but he knows playing in a different environment would be a real challenge."

He's very excited - like all players, he wants to play at the highest level and Siphiwe showed at the World Cup he is capable of that. Football agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane

'Shabba' will return to Europe only a week after he was in Zurich after being nominated for Fifa's goal of the year.

He lost out to Turkey's Hamit Altintop but Mahlakgane admitted the experience of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta made the winger determined to pursue a career in Europe.

"Being in the same room as such great players gave him that extra ambition," he said.

"He told me that a lot of them recognised him in Zurich and I think that was a real boost to his confidence.

"Forest are a good team, I think they have good enough players to get up into the Premier League next season.

"Hopefully Siphiwe can impress them."

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