NOTTINGHAM FOREST sacked boss Steve Cooper today and are in talks to appoint former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo as his replacement.

The 44-year-old paid the price for a run of just one win in 13 Premier League games, which has seen Forest plummet to five points above the drop zone.

Forest owner Evangelos 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.”

Forest says an announcement on their next manager will be made in due course, but the PA news agency understands Nuno is the preferred candidate to take over at the City Ground and has met club officials ahead of a possible appointment.

Nuno has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League club al-Ittihad in November. He appears set for a return to the Premier League two years after his sacking from an ill-fated four-month stay at Spurs.

Cooper had the support of the Forest fans after taking them from the bottom of the Championship to Premier League survival last season. It was fan power that saved him from the sack last term, but with another summer of heavy investment from owner Marinakis, the Greek businessman lost patience.

Forest host Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday before festive fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester United.

Marinakis was eyeing a top-half finish this season after spending north of £100 million in the summer, but, after a solid start to the campaign, results have not followed and they have won just once since beating Chelsea at the start of September.

Cooper has kept his dignity intact following speculation surrounding his position and leaves the City Ground a hero after becoming the man to end Forest’s 23-year exile from the top flight when he guided them to promotion in the summer of 2022.

A difficult first year in the Premier League followed, where Cooper’s job was under continual threat before a late-season rally saw them finish 16th.

Expectations of a push towards the top 10 came after a heavy spending spree in the summer, but results have been disappointing and Cooper ultimately paid the price.