Odds slashed on Nuno Espirito Santo to be sacked as clear favourite emerges to replace him

A former Premier League manager has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Nuno Espirito Santo if Nottingham Forest decide to part ways with the Portuguese head coach.

Despite helping the club secure European qualification for the first time in almost 30 years last season, Espirito Santo's future at the City Ground is uncertain after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace this weekend, Espirito Santo said he had (past tense) a "very good relationship" with the owner last season. "We were very close and spoke daily basis," he said.

But in recent months, a lack of communication has been apparent between the pair.

"This season it is not so well [between us], but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us," he added. "Our relationship has changed and we are not as close."

Who could replace Nuno Espirito Santo?

A clear frontrunner has emerged to replace the underfire Espirito Santo, with former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou being slapped with 6/4 odds to get the job if the current Forest head coach is sacked, as per Bet Victor.

Oliver Glasner, who recently voiced his concerns over Crystal Palace's lack of ambition in the transfer window, is the second-favourite at 8/1, while Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Al-Gharafa's Pedro Martins come in at 10/1.

Sergio Conceicao, Jose Luis Mendilibar, Frank Lampard, Bo Svensson, Christian Streich and Gareth Southgate are also listed on the market alongside Sebastian Hoeness, Kasper Hjulmand and Carlos Corberan.

Evangelos Marinakis is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou

Marinakis is believed to be an admirer of Postecoglou's style, according to a report from talkSPORT, who claim the pair are in direct contact, despite no offer being discussed.

They were also recently pictured together in Greece at an awards ceremony.

Ange Postecoglou was given an award by Evangelos Marinakis for becoming the first Greek manager to win the Europa League.

Postecoglou is currently a free agent after being sacked by Tottenham in June, just 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Is he the right man to take over if Espirito Santo does leave Forest? Let us know in the comments.