Aston Villa star Gary Gardner rejected an approach from Leeds United in order to sign for Nottingham Forest, Dougie Freedman has revealed.
Gardner was wanted at Elland Road by Whites boss Steve Evans, but instead decided to hold on for a move to Forest, knocking back the Yorkshire giants.
He is heading to the City Ground on a six-month loan deal and Freedman feels Gardner has shown how much he wants to play for Nottingham Forest, something displayed by rejecting Leeds.
Freedman told BBC Nottingham: "I want to sign players who want to come here, not who want to come here because their agent says you can get paid or whatever happens, or locally it's very good for them or domestically it's very good for them."
And he added: "I want players who want to play here and Gary expressed a real strong interest.
relatedNewsStory
"I think he said no to a few other clubs. Leeds were interested in a couple of days ago and he's knocked them back to come to a place where he's loved and he's wanted.
"He brings that certain desire to do well", Freedman added.
Gardner will add to Freedman's options in the middle of the park, while the 23-year-old will be keen to clock up regular game time with the Championship side.
The midfielder spent time last season on loan at Forest and is available to make the first appearance of his fresh loan spell tomorrow against QPR, when Freedman's side host the R's in the FA Cup.
