Steve Cooper's time at Nottingham Forest appears to be on the verge of concluding.

The Welshman guided Forest to promotion from the Championship in 2021-22 and he steered them clear of relegation from the Premier League in 2022-23.

But results have been under par and performances underwhelming this season as they sit 17th with just a five-point buffer to the relegation zone.

As Simon Stone reported earlier [14:28] former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been in talks over replacing Cooper at the City Ground.

Forest fans, you've been clear in your support for Cooper. What are your thoughts on this developing story?

Is it the right time to part ways with Cooper?

Would Nuno be a good replacement?

Get in touch using X, WhatsApp or via text.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Manchester United's chief operating officer Colette Roche warned a meeting of the clubs' Fans Forum earlier this month to expect a quiet transfer window.

Roche led the meeting following the exit of chief executive Richard Arnold and said this on United's transfer plans.

"We are not expecting it (January) to be particularly busy.

"There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad. However, we've always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focussed on summer windows.

"We've seen this season that Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules have real teeth, so we have to be very careful to ensure we remain compliant, and we will.

"But that means being really disciplined on spending going forward, with a balance between incomings and outgoings."

Chelsea

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Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says his "wish and desire is to win" the Carabao Cup as he prepares for Tuesday's quarter-final against Newcastle.

"It's in our mind, it's our objective," he said. "It’s a priority when you’re at Chelsea to win a title. It’s important so it’s in our mind and objectives. Tomorrow we have to be ready to fight and to be ready to be closer to winning a title.

"We need to fight, we need to be aggressive, to follow our last game in the way we behave and improve in the way we play - and to have the capacity to fight for every single ball.

The Blues have found success in the competition during an inconsistent, and at times chaotic, start to their Premier League season and the Argentine manager is aware of the importance of winning silverware early in his tenure at the club.

"It’s an important competition and for us, it was one of our objectives and it still is," he added. "It’s going to be an important game tomorrow and we have to face a very good team.

"Of course I want to win a trophy here in England, and win one with Chelsea if we have the opportunity. My wish and desire is to win and it’s possible.

"We need to respect our opponents, Newcastle are going to be tough so we will need to deserve to go through."

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Newcastle have endured a terrible time with injuries, with defender Fabian Schar and midfielder Joelinton set for scans after both were injured during the win against Fulham last Saturday.

Defender Sven Botman returned from injury with an appearance from the bench at the weekend, while Sweden forward Alexander Isak will be assessed for a groin concern, although Howe said it is "not a big problem".

The Chelsea tie marks Howe's 100th game in charge of Newcastle since being appointed in November 2021.

In that time Howe has steered the club to the Carabao Cup final and secured a place in the Champions League after a fourth-placed finish.

"I've loved every second of it," said the former Bournemouth boss.

"When you look back at a group of games, so many highlights, memories. I'm very proud and honoured to hopefully tomorrow done 100 games and been through that journey with the club. It's been a really memorable time."

Everton

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Everton's Amadou Onana has urged his team-mates to keep "changing the story" when the Toffees face Fulham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Toffees have won their past four games to climb out of the relegation zone following a 10-point deduction for financial rule breaches.

They will reach their first major semi-final since 2016 if they beat Fulham to make it five straight wins.

"I feel like the mentality in the team is changing," said Onana.

"We're kind of changing the story. It feels healthier around the dressing room and in the team, so I'm just pleased to be a part of this team."

Alan: Phil do you think more players will start to say enough is enough with these extra fixtures/bigger competitions? Yes, there is the money but burn out is a huge likelihood.

Phil: Hi Alan. I’m not sure it will be the players’ decision to say enough is enough. It is down to the clubs and the pull of lucrative competitions and fixtures is very unlikely to be ignored.

I do agree the programme is very, very heavy these days, though.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

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Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken to Nottingham Forest amid growing uncertainty over the future of manager Steve Cooper.

Nuno was sacked by Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ittihad earlier this year.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner has also been mentioned as a likely candidate if Cooper went but it seems Nuno is now in pole position.

Forest have won one game in 13 Premier League games, have taken eight points in that time and have taken one point from their last six matches.

They are five points ahead of third-bottom Luton, who have a match in hand.

Cooper has consistently been backed by the Forest support but owner Evangelos Marinakis has become increasingly concerned at his club’s plight.

Forest play Bournemouth at the City Ground on Saturday before tough-looking fixtures at Newcastle on Boxing Day and at home to Manchester United on 30 December.

Miranda: Hi Phil. At what stage do we get to where we get a review on using VAR in the Premier League? It is ruining the game we love.

Phil: Hi Miranda. I really hope they are reviewing it all the time because it is a not working in its current form. Too many delays, too many examinations for microscopic infringements, a lack of communication with the paying customers and the idea of “clear and obvious” seemingly not applicable any more.

It has sucked so much of the joy out of football. Fans do not even feel they can celebrate goals properly any more.

Can you guess whether I like it or not? I’d be happy if it was just goal-line technology and semi-automated offsides.

It’s not going away, though.

@obinnaeme on X: Do you think Arsenal can win the league?

Phil: Absolutely. They are top of the table, playing with real confidence and the signing of Declan Rice has been transformative.

Whether they will is another matter and I think we will know a lot more after they have played Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. I think they have got a great chance and have the experience of almost getting there last season.

So your answer? Yes.

Alex from Newcastle: Hi Phil, what positions do you think Newcastle need to fortify in the January window assuming injuries continue? Who would fit in well at Newcastle if you had your choice of players?

Phil: Hi Alex. I would not expect Newcastle to go very big in January as it’s such a difficult window to acquire real quality and their policy up to now has been very sensible.

Eddie Howe will be looking at midfield, especially after Sandro Tonali’s suspension. There is clearly an interest in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, who will need game time with Euro 2024 coming up but that might be complicated by reported interest from Juventus.

Interesting to see how Howe reacts to Nick Pope being sidelined for months after shoulder surgery. He has Martin Dubravka and Lloris Karuis but you have to think he will be looking to strengthen in that area.

David de Gea is still looking for a club after leaving Manchester United.

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on expectations: "There are two expectations. What the people think and what we think.

"We start the season wanting to create new memories, special games, a team that can beat the best teams in the world.

"We don't have to be the best team, we want to beat the best teams. This is the mentality.

"Underneath all the talks and discussions after the United game, underneath this team is growing and growing. You feel that in everything. How they are together, how they train and how they pushed Man Utd for the first 30 minutes so they can't come out.

"We coaches and manager all feel this and that's something we want to build on. It takes time to build a good team and drill a good team to feel better connected and know our game inside out.

"We are really happy with the team in front of us. I hope that Anfield is happy as well because this team has an unbelievable future, in my opinion."

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on Diogo Jota: "He is outside doing ball work so he is getting better and better.

"With hamstrings it is always tricky and you always want to give it two or three days more because then you are sure.

"We will be careful with him but he is close."

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on Dominik Szoboszlai: "He is 22. We are really happy that he's made an impact already.

"We know what he is capable of and the only way to come back to the standards he has is to work hard, train harder, train better with the rhythm he has because he constantly plays games.

"I'm not saying that he's not. He has this chracter that he wants to show and be important for the team. As long as he keeps that and he fights and the team around him is stable, he will come back to his best.

"Last year everyone said we needed to renew our midfield, now we have new boys and there will always be difficult phases in a season and less top moments. We are just really happy that he's with us."

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Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on West Ham: "You need to earn the right to progress. West Ham is a team who beat Arsenal, who are already in the knockout stage of the Europa League, same as us.

"They are more collective with Kudus, Bowen and Paqueta up top. They have a lot of technique there, a lot of class. They can create from deep, they can create high.

"The individual qualities are good and they can still mix it up with long balls to Soucek and compete from there On the right side there is real combinations with Kudus coming inside, they're good at that.

"They are more aggressive than they were before so big compliment to the coach, of course, because he's doing a really good job.

"We will need to be spot on, we will need to be respectful and put our game into place. We have to try to push them back."

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on Darwin Nunez: "Darwin is full of desire. If we only judge players on goals it would be so unfair because in our way, when we reach our targets, it has always been about the collective.

"That has always made the difference, it was always the collective, not individuals. When Mo [Salah] was not playing well, it was Sadio [Mane]. When Bobby [Firmino] was maybe not playing well, Mo was decisive.

"These things happen. I feel that there is a good connection between Mo and Darwin, they see each other, assist each other.

"I feel above everything that Darwin is playing a much better season than last year. The way he defends for the team, controls the centre and at the same times puts pressure, the way he goes, chases back and his counter press as well.

"He helps us a lot when we play deep and can use him as a reference. He's become a lot more our striker. For a long time we played with a false nine, now it's Darwin Nunez who is always on the last line... something too high with offsides. But he is learning and I like a lot.

"This guy is full of fire and that is what our stadium likes and what we need. If you create a lot, the goals will come naturally. Sometimes you need to be a little bit lucky."

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Transfermarkt has published it's latest market value update, external of Premier League players.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Manchester City midfielder Rodri are now both valued at 110m euros, with their market value rising but 10m euros.

They sit fourth and fifth respectively and take up two spots in a top-five wholly populated by players from Arsenal and Man City.

City striker Erling Haaland leads the way with a value of 180m euros, with Bukayo Saka (120m euros) second and Phil Foden (110m euros) in third.

The values are calculated, taking into account various pricing models. A major factor is the Transfermarkt community, whose members discuss and evaluate player market values in detail. In general, the Transfermarkt market values are not to be equated with transfer fees.

Pete Harte: What’s your starting 11 for England in the Euros?

Phil: Still a while to go yet, Pete, but this would be mine for the first game. It’s also shaped by what I think England manager Gareth Southgate WILL pick because I am still unconvinced by Harry Maguire but unless someone comes surging through I’m sure he will start. Maguire does deserve great credit for the way he has fought through a terrible spell in his career.

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden.

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on importance of EFL Cup: "It is an interesting competition because if you want to be successful and compete for all four trophies then you need a full squad available.

"You need everybody on their toes every day, everybody wants to play. I feel very happy about these last weeks because you've seen that you need a full squad to win when the calendar becomes like this and that is something we did.

"I'm really proud of that, it shows how subs came in, how the mentality of the boys was to create a difference. That is something you need.

"That is why I like this competition a lot because it gives some players, young players, an opportunity and at the same time, you play early finals. And everybody knows that Liverpool Football Club is here to play finals."

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders: "We always say the first half of the season is the base that you create.

"You want to take the Europa League to the knockout stages, you wan to be around the top four for sure but close to the front in the Premier League after Christmas.

"Especially with this team, because it's a new team, you want to play finals and reaching a semi-final in January would only be helpful for the boys to grow.

"They show a lot of passion, a lot of ambition to compete in this competition and that's what we want."

Liverpool

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders on Alex Mac Allister injury: "It will go into the new year but that could be possible - and we play 1 January so let's see!"

On Gravenberch: "If a player comes off with fatigue, there is no muscle tear but there is muscle fatigue. So we have to be careful. He can hopefully train today and we have to judge it - and he has to judge himself.

"I can't see why he wouldn't be available for the next week."