Steve Cooper’s position as Nottingham Forest head coach is understood to be safe, ahead of next week’s clash with Aston Villa.
A run of five straight defeats had put the head coach’s job in jeopardy, with several names already being linked as potential replacements, should a change be made. Cooper had been at risk of the axe on the back of Monday night’s 4-0 thumping at Leicester City.
However, talks between the club’s hierarchy on Wednesday afternoon are said to have resulted in a decision to give the Welshman more time at the helm as he grapples with getting a new-look squad to gel. It is understood he will be in the City Ground dugout against Villa next Monday night.
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New appointment
Nottingham Forest have appointed Filippo Giraldi to the role of sporting director.
The Italian spent nine years with Watford, joining as chief scout before going on to become technical director in 2014. He has also previously been director of football at AC Prato and chief scout and head of academy at Brescia.
It is understood he has been brought in to audit the sporting side of the business and evaluate the infrastructures that exist at the City Ground. It will be in a non-invasive role.
During his time with the Hornets, the club signed experienced players such as Etienne Capoue, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gerard Deulofeu. They also brought in young talent including Richarlison, Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro.
Back's progress
Nottingham Forest youngster Fin Back says he has one eye on “the longer picture” as he aims to make the most of his spell at Carlisle United.
There was the possibility of a loan move in January for the highly-regarded 20-year-old. But while he remained at the City Ground last season, he is spending this term at Brunton Park.
And he has made a positive impression for Paul Simpson’s side so far. Back has been a regular in the starting XI, making 12 appearances in all competitions.
The Reds have been keeping a check on him, and the defender admits he is setting his sights high for the future. For now, however, he is concentrating on maintaining his good form for the League Two Cumbrians.
Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest summer transfer target Houssem Aouar has reportedly been 'approached' by Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan ahead of a potential move from Lyon.
The Reds apparently agreed terms with the 24-year-old in mid-August, but an agreement was never reached with the French club; therefore, the move failed to materialise. Aouar is out of contract next summer and is again attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window when a potential pre-contract agreement could be signed.
Lyon are said to be planning on offering the playmaker a two-year contract extension, but whether that will be accepted amid the potential for a more lucrative move to the Premier League or elsewhere across Europe. It has been previously reported that there is a worry across the continent that Forest 'could provide competition' again and price other clubs of the market for the player.
That, though, hasn't stopped Champions League clubs from already making their approaches, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness ). Atleti and Inter Milan are the two said to have made contact, although it is added that Spanish sides Real Betis and Sevilla are still interested from the summer.
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