Nottingham Forest targeting Patrick Vieira as new boss if Steve Cooper is sacked just weeks after Crystal Palace axe
NOTTINGHAM FOREST are reportedly targeting Patrick Vieira as their new boss should Steve Cooper get the sack.
The Arsenal legend is ready for a swift return to management just one month after being fired by Crystal Palace.
And the Daily Star claims Vieira leads Forest’s managerial shortlist if they pull the trigger on under-pressure Cooper.
Forest are in the relegation zone after suffering their 16th defeat of the season to Manchester United on Sunday.
The struggling side are winless in their last 10 matches.
And Cooper has already had the dreaded public vote of confidence from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Vieira won just six matches this term before being replaced by Roy Hodgson, who has since recorded three victories on the bounce.
But the Frenchman is deeply admired by Marinakis.
And a change could be forthcoming should Forest continue to struggle for points.
It is reckoned Vieira would prefer to wait until the summer before taking his next role.
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He was strongly tipped to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds before Javi Gracia got the nod.
But a tempting offer from Forest could change Vieira’s mind.
As for Cooper, he has already been linked with a move up the ladder.
Tottenham are thought to be looking at him after firing Antonio Conte.
Cooper has strong “admirers” at the London club, who haven’t forgotten last year’s incredible promotion and his previous fine work at Swansea.
Cooper only signed a new three-year contract with Forest in October.
And Spurs would have to pay compensation to land him should he remain tied down to the City Ground.