Nottingham Forest are ‘keen to sort’ Steve Cooper’s contract with the club amid speculation of interest from Brighton, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Lowdown: Brighton’s managerial search
Following Thomas Tuchel’s sacking at Chelsea earlier this month, the west London club swiftly announced the arrival of Graham Potter as their new manager. As a result, the Seagulls have been hard at work compiling a list of names for a potential replacement.
With the Tricky Trees’ boss out of contract at the City Ground next summer, Cooper is firmly on Brighton’s radar after winning promotion to the Premier League with Forest last season.
The Latest: Cooper’s ontract situation
Amid speculation of a move to the Amex Stadium for the 42-year-old, Nixon has shared an update on the situation, revealing that Forest now hold concerns over Cooper’s current deal.
Taking to Twitter in sharing a link to a corresponding piece on Patreon, the journalist claimed: “Forest keen to sort Cooper deal amid ‘fee’ worries.”
As further relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Cooper’s compensation package at Forest would not be substantial, making this a more inviting prospect for the Seagulls.
Consequently, Evangelos Marinakis hopes to tie down the Reds’ manager to a new deal at the City Ground in order to ensure their rightful compensation if the 42-year-old does end up being lured to the south coast.
The Verdict: Forest need to keep him
Forest have not got off to the start that they would have been hoping for this season. After seven games, the Tricky Trees sit 19th in the league table, having gained four points from a win over West Ham and a draw against Everton.
Nonetheless, Cooper still has managed to produce 1.87 points per match during his year-long tenure at the club. Also, having made 22 new signings this summer, it was always going to take time for the squad to gel with one another.
While Forest would be well advised to try and keep hold of the 42-year-old for now, he knows that results may be needed soon…or else the decision to leave the City Ground might just be taken out of his hands.
