Sean Dyche is currently leading the race to become Nottingham Forest's new manager. However, owner Evangelos Marinakis is considering other potential candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed after just 39 days at the helm. Roberto Mancini, former Manchester City boss, has expressed interest in the position at the City Ground and is seen as a serious contender.
Fulham manager Marco Silva, whose contract expires next summer, is also on the radar although securing him would require an estimated £8million compensation fee. However, Forest have already engaged in extensive talks with Dyche, who began his career as a youth player at the City Ground. There's a sentimental connection for Dyche's trusted aides, Steve Stone and Ian Woan, both of whom are beloved figures from their time at the club.
Dyche, who left Everton in January, is currently unemployed, meaning Forest wouldn't need to pay any compensation.
Discussions about a permanent deal have been ongoing, with a short-term contract not being considered. They also understand that the terms must be suitable for Dyche to accept the role.
Mancini is currently without a job and therefore available as a free agent, while Silva's contract ends next summer. Agents may be exploring options for his next move, but prising him away mid-season could prove challenging.
As these discussions continue, Forest are also speaking to other candidates. Although no immediate appointment is anticipated, Dyche remains the bookmakers' favourite.
Forest are acutely aware they face a battle against the drop, and Dyche possesses precisely the expertise and track record required to steer them clear of danger following his remarkable achievements at both Burnley and Everton.
The manager has even acknowledged in recent weeks that he is eager to return to the dugout and becomes frustrated when prospective clubs fail to make contact.
Speaking on the quiz programme Call Yourself A Fan, Dyche remarked: "The pressure in football is obviously massive now, so you do sort of miss it.
"But sometimes on a Saturday afternoon when you're breezing through town and having a few beers with your mates, you think: 'God, I'm glad I'm not doing that anymore'.
"Once you're in it, you immerse yourself in it, but when you get a break from it, it's time to just step back and enjoy life a little bit.
"The strangest thing in football management is that the job come and gets you. You don't ring up clubs and say: 'Oh, any danger?'.
"So, if the timing is right and they want you to come do it, then we interview and see if we get it. At the minute, I'm quite enjoying watching what's going on rather than being immersed in it."