Steve Cooper ‘in line to leave Nottingham Forest with at least TWO Premier League clubs set to fight for him’

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are bracing for a fight to hold onto manager Steve Cooper in the summer, reports suggest.

Cooper has earned a lot of recognition for his tremendous work at Forest as he led them back to the Premier League and steered them away from the top flight’s relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest are facing a battle to keep manager Steve CooperRex

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is targeted by at least two Premier League clubsRex

According to The Mail, the 43-year-old is being targeted by at least two other Premier League clubs ahead of next season.

The likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham, Southampton and Leeds are facing uncertainty regarding their respective manager.

Antonio Conte’s Spurs contract is up in June while Graham Potter and David Moyes have come under fire at Stamford Bridge and London Stadium respectively.

Ruben Selles and Javi Gracia’s positions at Southampton and Leeds respectively could also be affected if they get relegated.

Brighton might also need a new head coach as interest is growing for Roberto De Zerbi.

But Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is a big fan of Cooper and is not keen on letting him go as he sees him as an important factor that will help the club grow.

That is why Marinakis stood by the Welshman after a rough start in the campaign.

In fact, the Greek owner offered him a new three-year deal even though the bookies considered him a favourite for the sack back in October.

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Cooper took over from Chris Hughton in 2021 and led Forest from relegation candidates to Championship play-off winners last season in a superb turnaround.

Nottingham are now 13th in the Premier League table with four points separating them from the drop zone.

Cooper’s side has amassed a total of six wins and 11 losses in 24 Prem matches.