Roma want Nuno Espirito Santo to walk out on Nottingham Forest and believe tensions with owner Marinakis could tempt him
ROMA want Nuno Espirito Santo to walk out on Nottingham Forest and come to Serie A.
The Italian giants will part company with Claudio Ranieri after Sunday’s final game of the season at Torino.
And Forest chief Nuno, 51, will be tempted with a two-year deal if he is ready to leave the City Ground.
Forest can claim a berth in the Champions League and the chance to play for the European Cup trophy for the first time since 1979 with a win over Chelsea this weekend and other results going their way.
But Roma believe there might be a schism between Nuno and Forest co-owner Evangelos Marinakis that could bring a split despite the club’s best campaign in three decades.
Marinakis stormed onto the pitch in the final seconds of the 2-2 home draw with Leicester and seemed to be lambasting the manager over the decision not to replace striker Taiwo Awoniyi after he collided with a post.
Sources in Italy claimed Roma have already contacted Nuno’s representatives to make him the contract offer with a promise to give him a potential title-winning budget.
Nuno has 12 months left on the deal he signed when he replaced Steve Cooper in December 2023.
Forest have been attempting to tie the 51-year-old to a new contract.
City Ground insiders emphatically dismissed any suggestion of a rift between Marinakis and his manager.
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There is huge frustration that speculation has come just days before a potentially momentous match in the club’s recent history.
Forest are still in with a chance of reaching the top five after a 2-1 win at West Ham over the weekend.
They welcome Chelsea to the City Ground for their final match of the season on Sunday.
Forest must beat the Blues and hope results go their way elsewhere to sneak into Europe’s elite.
And Nuno believes home advantage could be key in such a huge game.
He told Sky Sports: “[Being at the] City Ground is another big boost for us.
“It’s going to be bouncing and helping us, but we’re going to fight, we’re going to fight.
“And we’re going to face a very good team full of talent, but it’s the final game, it’s the final game.
“Let’s give it a go.”