Glenn Hoddle and Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson are reportedly the top two contenders for the managerial vacancy at Nottingham Forest.
The Championship club's Kuwaiti owners are searching for a new boss following the dismissal of Steve Cotterill last week.
While former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy was expected to take over at the City Ground after lengthy discussions with the Al-Hasawi family, the 53-year-old later ruled himself out of the running for the position.
It is understood that despite the club claiming that they have not held talks with Hoddle, the former England boss and Ferguson are candidates for the role, according to The Express.
Former Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish was also believed to be an early contender for the job.