Steve Cooper is under consideration for managerial positions at a number of Premier League sides as the ex-Nottingham Forest boss closes in on a return to the dugout.
Cooper has been out of work since leaving the City Ground in December after a two-year spell in charge that saw him guide Forest from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League and maintain their status.
The 44-year-old Welshman has subsequently attracted significant interest, including from Burnley amid Vincent Kompany’s impending departure for Bayern Munich. Cooper declined the chance to pursue that role but discussions continue with top-flight teams over existing and potential vacancies.
Cooper took over at Forest in September 2021 and led a remarkable turnaround to secure a play-off spot and then beat Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town to win promotion.
He steered Forest to safety and 16th place in what was their first Premier League season in more than 20 years, before being relieved of his duties.
Nuno Espirito Santo was installed as Cooper’s replacement and kept Forest up, despite a four-point deduction for profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) breaches.
Cooper previously spent two seasons at Swansea City, guiding them to the Championship play-offs in 2019-20 and 2020-21. He also won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017 and worked as a youth coach at Liverpool between 2008 and 2013.
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