HITC Sport understands Nottingham Forest are eyeing former Birmingham City boss.

Nottingham Forest’s prospective new owners are lining up a move for former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

American businessmen John Jay Moores and Charles Noell are close to finally completing their takeover of Nottingham Forest with sources telling HITC Sport it could be done by early next month.

Former Birmingham City Manager Gary Rowett

Talks have been ongoing with current owner and chairman Fawaz al Hasawi for several months, but now the takeover is in its final stages.

The American duo are ready to make bringing in a new manager one of their first jobs once the takeover goes through with Forest struggling under Philippe Montanier.

The Frenchman, who took charge at the City Ground last summer, has won just seven of his 23 Championship games in charge with Forest languishing in 18th spot just six points above the relegation zone.

General view inside the City Ground

Rowett, who was surprisingly sacked by Birmingham earlier this month, is understood to be a top target to replace Montanier once the takeover is finalised with the former Burton man regarded as one of the best young manager’s in the country.

The former Derby County defender turned Birmingham from relegation candidates into play-off contenders during his two-year spell at St Andrew’s and Forest’s prospective new owners see Rowett as the man to transform the Reds’ flailing fortunes.

Gary Rowett ready to get back into management

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