Italian giants Roma are interested in Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, talkSPORT understands.
No talks have been held between Roma and Nuno’s camp, but there is genuine admiration at the end of the Serie A club.
Nuno has worked wonders at Forest since he joined in December 2023[/caption]
Nuno had already been targeted by Saudi club Al Hilal, but the Forest boss is understood to be reluctant to return to the country.
Prior to his appointment at Forest, Nuno was in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad and led them to the league title as well as the Saudi Super Cup.
However, he was axed by the club in November 2023.
Roma, who play at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, are seeking a permanent replacement for Claudio Ranieri, who is acting as interim head coach until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was linked with a shock return to the dugout with Roma as an Italian report claimed he had given the thumbs-up to club chairman Dan Friedkin.
However, Klopp’s agent quickly poured cold water on the sensational report.
Ranieri has Roma in fifth on 66 points, one behind Juventus who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot in Serie A.
The 73-year-old, who famously guided Leicester City to the unlikeliest of Premier League titles in the 2015/16 campaign, was treated to a touching tribute from Roma’s supporters last Sunday as his side ran out 3-1 winners over AC Milan.
Prior to kick-off, Roma supporters held up placards to reveal a message of gratitude that covered the entire Curva Sud to thank Ranieri.
Similarly to Ranieri, Nuno has become an instant hit with Forest fans as he has the club on the verge of a return to European football after 30 years away.
GettyThe former Wolves boss could bring Champions League football back to Forest[/caption]
At a minimum, Forest will compete in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League as they sit seventh on 65 points going into the final day on Sunday.
However, Nuno’s side could finish the season as high as third should results go their way.
Forest face Chelsea, who are fourth on 66 points on the final day.
A win against the Blues would ensure Forest will play in next season’s Europa League.
But to qualify for the Champions League, Forest must beat Chelsea and hope Aston Villa don’t beat Manchester United on the final day.
It would complete a remarkable turnaround for Forest under Nuno given he took over when the two-time European champions were in 17th place and five points clear of the relegation zone.
Forest ultimately finished the 2023/24 season in 17th and six points clear of relegation, although they were deducted four points for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
But thanks to a full pre-season under the former Wolves boss, Forest have become the league’s biggest surprise package.
New Zealand international Chris Wood has enjoyed his best season yet as he has scored a remarkable 20 league goals.
Another Forest star who has become a talismanic presence is midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, Forest may not be able to enjoy the 25-year-old much longer as Manchester City have made him a priority in the summer window having exited the race for Florian Wirtz.
Nuno has also steeled Forest’s resolve defensively.
Going into the final day, Forest boast the seventh-best defensive record in the Premier League.
It is a marked contrast from the 2023/24 campaign in which Forest conceded the joint-fifth most goals with a worrying tally of 67.
The brilliance of goalkeeper Matz Sels has played a key role as he has kept an impressive 13 clean sheets this term.
The Belgian has been aided by a solid centre-back duo of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, who only joined last summer.
