Nottingham Forest ‘working on deal’ to appoint Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson

Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest have identified Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson as their preferred candidate to replace Filippo Giraldi, according to a report.

The Athletic suggest the English Premier League club - sitting 18th in the table - have already been “in contact” with the Ibrox side and are “confident” of securing a deal to bring Wilson to the City Ground.

Giraldi was sacked by Forest on Tuesday and the Midlands club are believed to have lined up Wilson’s potential appointment for some time as they aim to stabilise their position in the top-flight of English football after signing 22 players in the summer and a further seven new additions in the January transfer window.

A statement released by the club read: “Nottingham Forest’s Sporting Director, Filippo Giraldi, has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. He leaves the Club amicably with our best wishes. Filippo would like to place on record his thanks to the Club and wishes Nottingham Forest best of luck for the future.”

Wilson has previously worked south of the border after spells with Watford, Huddersfield Town and Southampton in background roles, focusing on recruitment. He joined Rangers in October 2019 but has faced criticism from supporters in recent times.

The 39-year-old and Gers managing director Stewart Robertson have been at the centre of fan protests at matches and it appears Wilson could now be closing on an Ibrox exit.