Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has emerged as the frontrunner to take charge at Nottingham Forest, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis already initiating informal discussions with the Australian coach.
Reports say that Marinakis has personally contacted Postecoglou about a potential vacancy at the City Ground, as current manager Nuno Espirito Santo's future hangs in the balance.
The Greek businessman and the former Spurs boss share a personal connection and were photographed together at an awards ceremony in Greece during the summer.
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Ange Postecoglou is holding out for a return to the Premier League while Nuno Espirito Santo could be sacked soon
|PA
Forest have identified Postecoglou as their primary target should they decide to part ways with Espirito Santo, whose relationship with the ownership has significantly deteriorated in recent weeks.
Espirito Santo's position at the club appears increasingly precarious after he publicly confirmed a breakdown in his relationship with Marinakis during a remarkable Friday press conference.
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The Portuguese manager admitted that whilst he enjoyed daily communication with the owner last season, their interactions have now diminished significantly.
"No, it is not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality," Espirito Santo stated when questioned about the current state of their relationship.
He acknowledged that their previously close working relationship, built on trust and regular dialogue, had deteriorated without understanding the precise reasons behind the change.
The admission prompted immediate crisis talks amongst Forest's leadership, with Marinakis reportedly angered by the public nature of the revelations.
The arrival of former Arsenal sporting director Edu has created additional complications, with reports revealing fundamental disagreements between him and Espirito Santo regarding recruitment policies and tactical approach.
A particular point of contention emerged over Fulham winger Adama Traore, whom Espirito Santo targeted during the summer transfer window.
The manager believes Edu obstructed the potential signing, though club insiders maintain the deal collapsed due to issues with the player himself.
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Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo have engaged in heated disputes before | Getty Edu's remit extends beyond Forest to developing a unified recruitment strategy across Marinakis's football empire, including Olympiacos and Rio Avenue, with plans for a Brazilian acquisition.
This collaborative approach appears incompatible with Espirito Santo's preferred methods, creating further strain on their professional relationship.
Postecoglou departed Tottenham following their 17th-place Premier League finish last season, despite delivering Europa League success against Manchester United in the final.
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Ange Postecoglou delivered Europa League success at Tottenham before he was sacked
|PA
The Australian coach has since turned down approaches from Saudi Arabian clubs, preferring to wait for an opportunity to return to English football.
Whilst those close to Postecoglou maintain no formal offer has been received, Marinakis has clearly expressed his interest through direct informal channels.
The Forest owner also harbours long-standing admiration for Jurgen Klopp, though the German appears content in his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull.
Despite Sunday's fixture against Crystal Palace likely proceeding under Espirito Santo's management, his departure afterwards seems increasingly probable.