Nottingham Forest are getting ready to turn to former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo after sacking Steve Cooper on Tuesday after a run of just one win in 13 Premier League games, which has seen Forest plummet to just five points above the drop zone.
Forest have announced that notification on their next manager will be made in “due course”, and it is the PA news agency’s understanding Nuno is the choice candidate to replace Cooper and has apparently met with club officials to facilitate discussions.
Two years on after his sacking from an ill-fated four-month stay at Spurs, the Portuguese appears all primed to return to the Premier League. He left Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in November and has been out of work since.
During his popular tenure, Cooper enjoyed the support of the Forest fans after taking them from the bottom of the Championship to Premier League survival last season. Fan power had saved him from getting the sack last term but another summer of heavy investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis has left the Greek businessman running thin on patience.
Marinakis said: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club. His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club’s history.
“We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.
“Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at the City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Forest host Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday before festive fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester United.