Jose Mourinho could be set for a spectacular return to the Premier League as Nottingham Forest are in doubts about their manager.
Forest are said to have identified Mourinho as an unexpected contender to take over from Nuno Espirito Santo, according to sources.
Ex-Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou also features among the potential candidates being considered by the club's hierarchy.
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This development comes after revelations emerged on Friday that Espirito Santo's tenure at the City Ground has become increasingly precarious.
Tensions are said to have escalated following a disagreement with sporting director Edu, who arrived at the club in July after leaving his position at Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho could be set to return to the Premier League
|PA
And rather than dismissing speculation about his future during Friday's press conference, Espirito Santo said: "There is no smoke without fire - I know how things work."
The former Wolves and Spurs coach's position has been left in doubt following his public criticism of the club's transfer inactivity.
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Espirito Santo also shed light on his strained relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
"The reality is that it's not what it used to be," he admitted. "It used to be a good, respectful relationship, based more on trust and sharing opinions, and now it's not so good."
Meanwhile, Mourinho's tenure at Fenerbahce has been marked by controversy and disciplinary troubles.
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Tensions have grown between Nuno Espirito Santo and the club
|GETTY
In March, he drew the ire of critics after branding a referee "arrogant" after Fenerbahce's Europa League exit at the hands of Rangers.
In his prior role at Roma, he risked suspension after being dismissed from a match and allegedly claiming officials had manipulated the result.
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Should Forest pursue the decorated manager, his appointment would mark a dramatic comeback to English football.
The prospect of Mourinho returning to the Premier League would generate significant attention, irrespective of subsequent performances at the City Ground.
Jose Mourinho managed Tottenham during the pandemic
|GETTY
Mourinho's English football credentials include remarkable success across multiple clubs. During two separate periods at Chelsea, he secured three Premier League championships, four League Cups and an FA Cup trophy.
His Manchester United tenure yielded a Europa League triumph and League Cup victory over two seasons. However, his time at Tottenham proved less fruitful, ending with his dismissal just 24 hours before the League Cup final.