Nottingham Forest considering replacing Steve Cooper with Jorge Sampaoli

Nottingham Forest are weighing up sacking manager Steve Cooper before the end of the season, reports the Daily Mail.

The City Ground club have sounded out Jorge Sampaoli about replacing their under-fire boss.

Forest are 18th in the Premier League after 30 games, with only goal difference separating them from safety.

They are without a win in their last nine league games and have already parted with sporting director Filippo Giraldi.

Cooper could be next to go, but Sampaoli has reservations about taking the job.

The Tricky Trees want to hand the Argentine a deal that would have extended beyond the end of this season.

However, he is unlikely to agree to a move given their precarious situation.

Sampaoli was sacked by Sevilla for a second time last month after the club’s woeful run.

Nevertheless, Forest want him and Brazilian club Flamengo are also keen, with their new season starting this weekend.

The 63-year-old has managed the likes of Marseille and Brazilian duo Santos and Atletico Mineiro.

Sampaoli was also once in charge of the national teams of Argentina and Chile, and he boasts huge experience.

However, his English is not excellent and moving to the Premier League, where 11 managers have been sacked this term, may not appeal to him.

Forest could look elsewhere if a move for Sampaoli falls through.

Cooper is unlikely to remain in charge of the club next season even if he guides them to safety.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis announced they were not looking to sack him after they lost 2-1 to Leeds United last Tuesday.

However, a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday has not helped matters.

The Reds face Manchester United on Sunday before taking on Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.