Nottingham Forest could turn to Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace Nuno Espirito Santo if he leaves this summer… as clubs from Portugal and Spain target the former Wolves and Tottenham manager

Marco Silva could become a surprise managerial target for Nottingham Forest if Nuno Espirito Santo is prised away from the City Ground.

The Fulham boss signed a new deal last October, which runs to the end of the 2025-26 season and is believed to contain a release clause of about £9million.

Mail Sport reported in May that Nuno was on the list of clubs in Portugal and Spain after he steered Forest to survival last season, despite the club receiving a four-point deduction for breaking spending rules. Nuno has one year left on his contract, with an option for a further 12 months, but that has not deterred suitors.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has long admired Silva, who coached Olympiacos – another club owned by Marinakis – in 2015-16. 

Though Silva has never worked for Marinakis since, the Greek shipping magnate has always followed his progress. 

Silva could replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who is attracting interest from clubs in Portugal and Spain

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (pictured) is an admirer of Silva and has followed his development for years

Marinakis had arguably his finest moment in football when Olympiacos beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League Final last month to lift their first European trophy.

It is unclear whether Silva would leave Fulham after three highly successful years at Craven Cottage. 

He led the club to promotion in 2022 and guided them to 10th and 13th places respectively in the following two seasons, and there is greater stability at Fulham than Forest, who may to have to sell players this month to stay within profitability and sustainability regulations for the 2021-24 accounting period.

But Forest’s rich history – they won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 – passionate fanbase and ambitious plans for the future will make many managers sit up and take notice.

Silva was offered eye-watering terms by Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli and Al Hilal last summer but opted to stay in the Premier League. West Ham also held a long-standing interest in the Portuguese before moving instead for former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui this summer.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have joined a host of clubs who may bid for Forest defender Murillo this month. The Brazilian is expected to depart for a sizeable profit on the £10.2million Forest paid Corinthians a year ago.

Forest would also listen to offers for forward Taiwo Awoniyi and will consider a move for their former forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, currently contracted to Villarreal, if they sell the Nigerian.