Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on appointing Sean Dyche as their new manager, with discussions said to be at an advanced stage following the sack of Ange Postecoglou.

The former Everton boss has emerged as the leading candidate as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis seeks to stabilize the club after a turbulent start to the season.

Dyche emerges as clear favourite

According to Sky Sports, Dyche has overtaken former Manchester City and Italy boss Roberto Mancini in the race for the City Ground job.

The 54-year-old, who has been out of management since leaving Everton in January, is believed to be Marinakis’ preferred choice to replace Postecoglou, whose tenure ended just 18 minutes after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea.

Mancini, who last managed Saudi Arabia’s national team, was initially considered a strong contender but has reportedly fallen behind Dyche in Forest’s shortlist.

Other names such as Luciano Spalletti, Pedro Martins and Fulham’s Marco Silva have been ruled out, with Silva’s £8 million release clause making a deal impractical.

Returning to familiar ground

A move to Forest would mark a sentimental return for Dyche, who began his football journey at the club as a youth player in the late 1980s before moving on without a senior appearance.

Reflecting on that period in a past interview, Dyche recalled, “They were good times, without a doubt. Everyone knew the way the team played and the expectation of how to play, it was ingrained in the club.”

He remains close to several former Forest figures, including Roy Keane, Tony Loughlan, and Gary Charles, often reminiscing about the Brian Clough era that defined the club’s footballing philosophy.

Urgent need for stability

Forest’s decision to sack Postecoglou after just 39 days, one of the shortest reigns in Premier League history, reflects growing frustration over results.

The Australian failed to win any of his eight matches in charge, losing six and conceding 18 goals.

His brief stint leaves the club languishing in the bottom three, just months after securing Europa League qualification.

Critical weeks ahead

With crucial fixtures against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Leeds United on the horizon, Marinakis is determined to finalize Dyche’s appointment quickly to steady the team’s slide.

Meanwhile, the club also face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, a match that could see Dyche, if confirmed, take charge for the first time.