Nottingham Forest sack Steve Cooper with former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo set to replace him
Steve Cooper has been sacked by Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club has announced, and talkSPORT understands Nuno Espirito Santo is set to become his replacement.
Cooper was expected to be in charge for Saturday's visit to Bournemouth, but owner Evangelos Marinakis has decided a change is needed.
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Former Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno has held talks with Marinakis and is now closing in on a return to the Premier League as Cooper's replacement.
talkSPORT understands Nuno will sign a two-and-a-half year deal and will be in the dugout for the Bournemouth game.
Cooper had been under huge pressure at the City Ground with the club sitting 17th in the Premier League table having picked up just three wins all season.
With just one win in their last 13, Marinakis felt he was given no other choice having given him plenty of chances to turn their fortunes around.
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It is believed former England Under-16 and U17 boss Cooper was a popular figure amongst the dressing room.
Marinakis said in a statement: “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.”
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With Cooper now gone, Portuguese Nuno is poised to take over.
The 49-year-old is keen to step back into management. His most recently in charge of Al Ittihad, guiding them to the Saudi Pro League title last campaign.
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A huge summer saw Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and ex-Celtic star Jota arrive to the club.
But just months after steering Al Ittihad to their first league title in 14 years, he was relieved of his duties.
Nuno was axed two days after his side lost 2-0 to Iraqi outfit Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Champions League.
Later reports then stated that he had a bust-up with Benzema, with the pair exchanging insults in the dressing following the defeat.
In Al Ittihad's first match without Nuno, Benzema then bagged himself a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory.
Should Nuno return to the Premier League, it will be his first job in England since being sacked by Spurs in November 2021.
After winning the Manager of the Month award for August, Nuno subsequently lasted just 17 matches in all competitions after taking the north Londoners from first to ninth.
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