Former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is set for a return to football at Nottingham Forest.

The Daily Mail says Forest chairman Nigel Doughty has already opened talks with the former Bolton manager about the City Ground job.

Aidy Boothroyd, Billy Davies and Iain Dowie are also on Forest's short-list but Allardyce is Doughty's first choice to breathe life into the ailing Midlands club.

Allardyce has been aware of Forest's interest for around a month and despite reservations over the amount of money available for transfers, he is now ready to hear what Doughty has to say.

Allardyce, out of football since his sacking by Newcastle in January, is also coveted by Forest's Championship rivals Charlton, who fired Alan Pardew on Saturday.