Forest dismiss takeover rumours

Forest dismissed suggestions Martin O'Neill will take over as manager

Nottingham Forest chief executive Mark Arthur has dismissed reports that the club is up for sale, after further speculation about a takeover bid.

A national newspaper claimed the Reds were in talks with a Middle Eastern consortium who plan to install Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill as manager.

But Arthur was dismissive: "There's absolutely no truth in it whatsoever.

"I can categorically state that the club is not up for sale," he told BBC Radio Nottingham's Matchday.

The reports this week follow earlier rumours that another consortium was poised to take over at The City Ground, and install Sam Allardyce as manager.

"It's not just (chairman) Nigel Doughty's financial commitment to the club (that's important), but it's his club. It has been since the age of six.

"He's a genuine supporter, and a local man, and he intends to stay with the club," Arthur added.