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Next Nottingham Forest manager: Leeds United denial, major Celtic twist, Pearce speaks out
NOTTINGHAM FOREST have denied approaching Leeds United over appointing Steve Evans as their new manager - but could get help from Celtic in their pursuit of Martin O'Neill.
Pearce (bottom right) says Forest would be lucky to have O'Neill (left), as club deny Evans approach
It was claimed this week that Forest were interested in landing Evans ahead of the new season.
The Scot, 53, could be axed at Elland Road despite keeping Leeds well away from the Championship relegation zone.
Forest are seeking a manager for next season and Republic of Ireland manager O'Neill is their preferred choice.
The Nottingham Post claim the club have ruled out Evans as a candidate and hope O'Neill can be convinced to join up.
But that could rest on Celtic's pursuit of Roy Keane.
"I’m in this job at the moment and am enjoying it immensely. All my concentration is on what’s ahead in the next couple of weeks.
"I think like everything else there’s always going to be a bit of speculation around everybody.
"Probably because I played for Forest for a number of years is the reason, and Roy had some interest from Celtic the last time around before the manager got the job.
"I’m speaking to FAI chief executive John Delaney very shortly and I think John’s pretty relaxed about a new contract, as I am myself."
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Keane has competition for the Parkhead post, with Nigel Pearson and Brendan Rodgers also reportedly in the running.
Crossbar Challenge- Andy Murray and Davis Cup team take on Celtic
As for Forest, former manager Stuart Pearce says the club would lucky to have O'Neill as their next boss.
"It's a fantastic football club. Martin O'Neill is a different animal to me," he told The Nottingham Post.
"He's a fantastic manager and he's more than bright enough to come to his own decision.
"He's already got a job with Ireland and you can see he's doing fantastically well.
"What I would say is, if he does become Nottingham Forest manager they would be lucky to have him."