Ange Postecoglou tipped for return as Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo adds fuel to exit rumours

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Trouble at Nottingham Forest could see Ange Postecoglou make a reported comeback to the Premier League after manager Nuno Espirito Santo lamented his deteriorating relationship with the club's owner.

While Forest play at Crystal Palace on Sunday night (AEST), most of Nuno's pre-game press conference was about his relationship with Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, amid reports the club is considering sacking the Portuguese manager.

"There is no smoke without fire," Nuno said about the rumours.

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Ange Postecoglou lifts the Europa League trophy as he acknowledges the fans. Getty

Nuno, who said last week his squad needed strengthening in all but one position, said his relationship with Marinakis had broken down, and they rarely spoke.

"I always had a very good relationship with the owner. Last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis," he told reporters.

"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. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close."

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Nuno Espirito Santo, manager of Nottingham Forest, speaks to his players. Getty

Forest dispelled reports of a heated confrontation between the two last season after Marinakis appeared to be fuming when he came onto the pitch and spoke to the manager after the full-time whistle.

"The reality is that the relationship is not what it used to be," Nuno said.

"It was a respectful relationship based on trust and sharing opinions but now it is not so good.

Ange Postecoglou could be back in the Premier League according to reports in the UK. Getty

"I think everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality."

According to several reports in the UK, Postecoglou is understood to be a leading candidate for the role if Forest decide to sack Nuno.

The Guardian reports the 59-year-old Australian is interested in the role. Fenerbache manager Jose Mourinho has also been mentioned.

Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest celebrates his opening day goal. Nottingham Forest FC via Getty I

While Forest opened the season with a 3-1 win over Brentford last weekend, Nuno had been downbeat before that game, expressing his frustration at the club's summer transfer activity.

"We are going to play a tough game against a good team and we are short on options to give solutions that the game might need, which is our major concern," he said a week ago.

"We need players."

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