Nottingham Forest are said to have made contact with Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini as speculation about the future of Nuno Espirito Santo continues to swirl.
Last Friday, following rumours his job was under threat, Nuno cast doubt on his own position at the City Ground. The Portuguese also admitted his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated.
Since then, a number of names have been linked with the Reds job. Ange Postecoglou, Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho have all been touted as potential replacements, should Nuno depart.
As it stands, an immediate change appears unlikely, but a question mark remains about the long-term situation. And amid all the talk, Pellegrini has become the latest manager mentioned as being of interest to Forest.
Chilean newspaper La Tercera have claimed the Reds ‘approached’ Pellegrini to find out the ‘terms of a possible departure’ from Betis. The report comes as the 71-year-old one-time Chile international boss is in the final year of his contract with the Spanish side.
Forest are said to be ‘monitoring’ the former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss’ situation. However, Sport Witness suggest the report could be an attempt to help Pellegrini apply pressure on Betis to be more active in the final days of the transfer window.
In his pre-match press conference before his team’s trip to Crystal Palace, Nuno said there was ‘no smoke without fire’ in response to the idea he was at risk of the sack. He also conceded his relationship with Marinakis had ‘changed, although a feud with recently-appointed global head of football Edu is believed to be at the heart of Nuno’s grievances.
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Come Sunday’s clash at Selhurst Park, Nuno made clear his wish to remain at the helm and dismissed suggestions he was trying to engineer his own exit as ‘absurd’. Additionally, he stated talks will take place with Marinakis and Edu in a bid to find a way forward.
Asked whether harmony can be restored Trentside, he said: “I believe so. Everybody wants the best for Forest - me first. All the club wants the best for Forest,” he said.
“This is the first time in my career I am facing this situation and being asked these things. It is not helpful, but I believe conflict doesn’t work out. We have to create harmony and we need it.”
It remains to be seen whether the rift between Nuno and Edu can be healed. The former has said the immediate priority should be on putting the finishing touches to the Reds squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.
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