Nottingham Forest line up unemployed ex-Premier League manager to replace Steve Cooper amid relegation battle

FORMER Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly being lined up to replace Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest.

The Premier League strugglers are one place above the drop zone after picking up just three wins in 17 games this term.

GettyNottingham Forest are lining up Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager[/caption]

Steve Cooper looks set for the axe after just three wins this seasonGetty

Forest are already without a victory in their last six matches.

And things aren’t getting easier with clashes against in-form Bournemouth, Newcastle and Manchester United on the horizon.

The Guardian claims Cooper is now running out of time to hold on at the City Ground.

Friday’s 2-0 defeat to 10-man Spurs almost proved to be the final straw.

And Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has now lined up Nuno as Cooper’s eventual successor.

The Portuguese boss worked wonders in England’s top flight with Wolves after winning the Championship at Molineux.

An ill-fated spell with Spurs then followed.

And Santo is available after also being sacked by Saudi Arabian moneybags Al-Ittihad in November — just months after winning the title.

Forest are now braced to make a change, with Santo potentially arriving in time for Saturday’s game with Bournemouth.

It’s reckoned he’s seen off competition from a host of top names, including fellow ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard is believed have held discussions with Forest as he holds out for a Premier League return.

But talks failed to advance, leaving Lopetegui waiting for his next chance.

Forest also engaged with ex-Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, and he is believed to be second-choice should a deal for Santos fall through.