The Toffees came up short in the January transfer window as they failed to make a single signing while selling Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.
Free agent Ayew quickly emerged as a target for Everton, with the forward having left Al Saad after terminating his contract by mutual consent.
He flew back into the UK earlier this week to seek a Premier League move and held talks with both Everton and Nottingham Forest.
And Ayew is snubbing Everton to move to the City Ground.
The forward is keen to play under Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest and prefers it to a move to Goodison Park with Everton, but will need Lewis O’Brien’s move to Blackburn Rovers to take place today to make it happen.
Ayew opting against signing for Everton is the latest blow the Merseyside giants have suffered.
Unless any further free agent options arise, it appears Sean Dyche will have to make do with the squad already at Everton.
The forward scored 18 goals in 28 games for Al Saad in Qatar last year, while this year he struck four times in ten games.
