Hudson-Odoi reveals how a phone call convinced him to join Nottingham Forest

Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper played a key role in his decision to sign at the City Ground.

The winger completed a move from Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window.

After returning from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, Hudson-Odoi was linked with a host of clubs including Fulham and Crystal Palace.

But having won the U17 World Cup under the guidance of former England youth boss Cooper in 2017, the 22-year-old opted for a move to Nottingham.

Hudson-Odoi told The Telegraph: 'There were a lot of different places I could have ended up at, but once ‘Coops’ made the call my head was straight here.

'He definitely brought the best out of me with England.

'The big thing about him is how he understands players, on and off the pitch. He’s always making sure that you’re mentally right and comfortable, and free in what you do.'

Hudson-Odoi could make his Forest debut in Monday's Premier League clash with winless Burnley at the City Ground.

Cooper's side have made a promising start to the season, picking up two wins from their opening four games and only falling to narrow away defeats against both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Forest won their last Premier League game 1-0 at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino continues to struggle to turn around Chelsea's fortunes.

Despite the struggles of his former employers, Hudson-Odoi has admitted it was still a difficult decision to leave the club he first joined at the age of six.

The winger made 126 appearances for Chelsea after making his debut in January 2018.

He slipped down the pecking order once Thomas Tuchel became Chelsea manager, forcing him to seek a fresh start in the East Midlands.

Hudson-Odoi said: 'Chelsea has