Evangelos Marinakis announced the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo’s as his replacement confirm

The news of Nuno Espírito Santo’s potential departure has rocked Nottingham Forest, but Evangelos Marinakis may already know who he’d want to replace him.

News broke on Tuesday that Espírito Santo could leave Forest, a shock given the remarkable job the Forest manager has done this season.

There had been rumours that Al Hilal could poach Espírito Santo, but that seemed distant at best. Fresh reports have hinted at potential difficulties in the relationship between Marinakis and the manager, though.

Roma are looking at Espírito Santo as the prospect of losing the Portuguese coach becomes more serious, but Marinakis might have already picked out his ideal candidate to replace him.

Evangelos Marinakis has always loved Ernesto Valverde

Espírito Santo has overseen Forest doubling their points in the Premier League from last season to this season, so replacing him will certainly be a challenge.

However, according to a report from Marca in Spain, Marinakis has one candidate in particular in mind, Athletic Bilbao’s Ernesto Valverde.

The report said: “Marinakis is the president under whom Valverde successfully led Olympiacos in two different stints. […] Marinakis has always wanted a third dance with Valverde, whom he considers one of the best coaches he has ever had in his sporting structure.”

It would be difficult for Forest fans to see Espírito Santo go after all he has done this season, but Marinakis leaning on a manager he trusts would be the best-case scenario.

He doesn’t just trust Valverde, though, as the pair became incredibly close when the Spanish coach was in his second spell at Olympiacos.

Evangelos Marinakis and Ernesto Valverde became close friends

Marinakis also admires Marco Silva, but his personal admiration for Valverde would make him the most likely candidate for the Forest job should he be available.