Aitor Karanka has emerged as a leading contender to replace Mark Warburton, who was yesterday sacked as Nottingham Forest manager following the 1-0 home defeat by Sunderland.
The club’s Greek ownership acted with the club 10 points adrift of the play-off places. Sportsmail understands owner Evangelos Marinakis wanted to challenge for promotion this season and Warburton was aware he was under pressure ever since the 4-2 loss to Ipswich on December 2.
He earned a stay of execution by beating Bolton 3-2 in their next game, but Forest lost three and drew one of the following four fixtures to prompt Marinakis into action.