Nottingham Forest open talks to extend Vitor Pereira’s contract amid shock links with rival Premier League boss

Nottingham Forest have started initial talks with Vitor Pereira over a new contract as manager, talkSPORT understands.

The former Wolves boss joined in February as their fourth manager of the season, and has a year remaining on his current deal.

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Conversations between owner Evangelos Marinakis and Pereira have not yet reached a formal stage, nor is a deal close.

However, dialogue has begun between the two parties.

Pereira is awaiting further clarity over his future at the City Ground with his two-year contract at the halfway point this summer.

Reports in Portugal claim Forest have approached Marco Silva, with some even suggesting that the Fulham boss turned down the role.

However, Forest insiders call this categorically untrue, with Silva on the shortlist at Chelsea.

Pereira makes positive impression

Despite being sacked by Wolves in November after a winless start to the season, Pereira was chosen to take charge at Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche were the 57-year-old’s predecessors during a chaotic season in Nottinghamshire.

Pereira won his first match in charge with a 3-0 victory at Fenerbahce in the Europa League, but initial Premier League results were poor.

His first league victory came at the fifth time of asking as they were 3-0 winners at Tottenham Hotspur.

It started their six-match unbeaten run the Premier League, including the 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland and 3-1 win at Chelsea.

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Pereira was also on course to send Forest to the Europa League final as they beat Aston Villa in the first leg of their semi-final.

However, Villa were 4-0 victors in the second leg and face SC Freiburg in the showpiece on Wednesday instead.

More to follow…