NOTTINGHAM FOREST are desperate for Steve Cooper to sign a new deal — because he has such a small ‘transfer fee’ on his head.
The 42-year-old boss is fancied by Brighton and will also have other admirers after leading Forest to a remarkable promotion to the Premier League.
But Cooper has yet to extend his two-year deal and that could be a problem for Forest because his compensation figure is so low.
Although the exact figure remains a closely guarded secret, Forest may get only £1.5million if Cooper leaves, based on the contract he signed when he took over a year ago.
In comparison, the Seagulls pocketed more than £20m from Chelsea for Graham Potter and his staff.
So Cooper would be a bargain because of his valuation.
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Forest will look to Europe for a coach if Cooper leaves.
Norwegian Kjetil Knutsen, 53, also linked with Brighton, has support after his work with Bodo/Glimt.
Out-of-work Sean Dyche, 51, is bound to have backing and also started out as a player at the City Ground.
But the hierarchy may prefer the foreign option.
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The Seagulls, though, are also prepared to look to the EFL to find Potter’s successor.
Brightn chiefs are though to admire Swansea manager Russell Martin.
And Luton Town’s Nathan Jones also has his backers
