Hoddle rules out Forest switch

Exclusive by Stuart Roach

Glenn is not involved with any discussions anywhere at the moment Hoddle's agent Dennis Roach

Glenn Hoddle's agent has rubbished claims that the former England coach has been approached by Nottingham Forest.

Forest were reported to be talking to Hoddle in a bid to soften the potential blow of losing manager Paul Hart to Leeds United.

Hart is favourite to take over at Elland Road following Monday's sacking of Peter Reid.

But Dennis Roach told BBC Sport: "There has been no contact whatsoever with Nottingham Forest. No discussions have taken place."

A report in Tuesday's Guardian newspaper claimed Hoddle could be tempted to return to management less than two months after being sacked by Tottenham.

But Roach told this website that the claim was pure speculation.

I would very much like Paul Hart and his backroom team to stay on at the City Ground Forest chairman Nigel Doughty

And Forest insist they will be concentrating on trying to prevent the current manager leaving, rather than looking to replace him.

"I think I speak for everyone connected with the club in saying I would very much like Paul and his backroom team to stay on at the City Ground and continue the excellent job they have done in the last two-and-a-half years," Forest chairman Nigel Doughty said.

Speaking on Forest's official website, Doughty added: "We cannot prevent speculation in the media and it is something that all clubs with successful managers have to live with from time to time.

"Paul is half-way through a five-year plan with Nottingham Forest and throughout that time has made measured progress in search of our ambition to return to the premier league."

Hoddle, a close friend of Doughty, has already been linked to the jobs at Reading and Crystal Palace since being shown the door at Tottenham.

He was also rumoured to be discussing a move to Saudi Arabia, either at club level or as coach of the national side.

Roach and Hoddle travelled to Doha together last month, though Roach maintains the trip was purely for social reasons.

"We went there and played some golf and we went to a couple of matches while we were there, but there is nothing doing," Roach said.

But one job Hoddle looks unlikely to be linked with is the vacant Elland Road post.

Hart and Warnock wait on Leeds

Leeds look certain to turn to the First Division in their search for Reid's replacement, with Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and West Bromwich Albion boss Gary Megson Hart's chief rivals for the job.

Roach confirmed: "Glenn is not involved with any discussions anywhere at the moment.

"If Leeds pick any Premiership manager they will be struggling with the salary. That is a very obvious problem for them."

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