Nottingham Forest's new owners have reportedly identified Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson as the man that they want to lead the club next season.

The Al-Hasawi family, who completed their takeover of the Reds on Tuesday, sacked former manager Steve Cotterill yesterday.

Fawaz Al Hasawi is friendly with Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson and he hopes to use that relationship to help persuade Fergie junior to make the switch to the City Ground, according to The Mirror.

Peterborough are likely to be unwilling to cooperate with the Al-Hasawis if they move for Ferguson.

The Cambridgeshire side reportedly threatened to report Gianni Paladini to the Football League for allegedly making an illegal approach for the Scot on behalf of the Kuwaiti family last month.