The future of a Premier League manager who is chasing Champions League qualification has been plunged into doubt just days before the final game of the season.
Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are all looking to finish in the top five to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Newcastle, Chelsea and Villa are placed third, fourth and fifth respectively, with the trio of teams on 66 points.
Sixth-placed Man City, who play Bournemouth in their penultimate league fixture tonight, and seventh-placed Forest both have 65 points on the board.
Forest have occupied a spot in the top five for the majority of the season but have recently dropped out of the Champions League places.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Steve Cooper in December 2023, has produced managerial heroics at the City Ground and has completely transformed the club’s fortunes.
Evangelos Marinakis confronts Nuno Espirito Santo following Nottingham Forest’s draw against Leicester City. Image: Getty
But days ahead of his side’s crunch fixture against Chelsea, a report claims his Forest future is in serious doubt.
According to Foot Mercato, Santo could sensationally leave his position at the end of the season.
Per the report, there is ‘internal tensions’ between Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and Santo.
Marinakis was involved in a furious bust-up with the Portuguese gaffer following Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City earlier this month.
He marched onto the pitch after the final whistle and remonstrated with Santo.
Nuno Espírito Santo is reportedly wanted by AS Roma. Image: Getty
If Santos leaves Forest, he could make a swift return to management.
According to Relevo, AS Roma have contacted the 51-year-old and are prepared to offer him a two-year deal and a ‘commitment to building a championship-winning team in the short term’.
Roma have also been linked with ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is currently at Red Bull as their Head of Global Football.
The Serie A side are looking to replace Claudio Ranieri, who will leave the club in June when his short-term deal expires.
