Nottingham Forest identify 'top target' to replace Ange Postecoglou after just seven games

Nottingham Forest have set their sights on Marco Silva as they weigh up their own managerial situation with Ange Postecoglou under pressure just seven games into his tenure. Defeat at Newcastle on Sunday means he's still waiting for his first win as boss.

The ex-Tottenham boss followed Nuno Espirito Santo, who led Forest to their best season for more than thirty years. The Australian's style has not bought any victories thus far and it is understood that owner Evangelos Marinakis is open to a change.

Silva's impressive work at Fulham has marked him out as the club's top target, reports the Daily Mail. The Portuguese boss has led the west Londoners to the Championship title and made them a stable Premier League outfit during his time at Craven Cottage.

During his eight years at Forest Marinakis has always hired managers who were out of work which has allowed him to avoid lengthy negotiations and discussions over compensation. If any move for Silva did occur, it would not be until the end of the season.

Silva, who was linked with a job in the Middle East recently, is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the campaign, but currently has a hefty release clause which puts any move effectively out of the question.

READ MORE: 'I don't know if Ange Postecoglou will last at Nottingham Forest until Christmas'

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou reveals Nottingham Forest owner talks as pressure builds

Postecoglou arrived in Nottingham off the back of a mixed season at Tottenham. They endured horrific league form, finishing 17th, but did win the Europa League, ending a 17-year wait for a trophy and ensuring qualification for the Champions League.

Since taking his post at the City Ground he's lost three of his four league games - a draw at Burnley is his only point thus far. In the Europa League Postecoglou saw Real Betis secure a late draw in their opening game. More disappointing was the recent home defeat to Danish side Midtjylland.

In the aftermath of the loss to Newcastle the Forest boss confessed he was ready for frank talks with the owner. He said: “I expect to have a discussion with the owner and everyone at the football club about what we have embarked on here and where we’re at and what we need to do, for sure, yes.

“If people want to make an assessment on me after three and a half weeks, there is nothing I can do about that. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with things being tough - it’s OK! “I had an option - I could have been sitting on a couch watching the game today and not been in the middle of it. I would much rather be here. I love a fight."

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