Nottingham Forest are prepared to do everything possible to agree a new contract with Nuno Espirito Santo before the end of the season.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that renewing his deal has become Forest’s top priority in the coming weeks.

The boss will have just 12 months remaining on his current contract in June, but the club are preparing to reward him for the impressive work he has done.

Forest are now closing in on Champions League qualification after a fantastic season so far, while they prepare to face Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Nuno’s side have build a seven-point gap between themselves and sixth-placed Newcastle and are now putting plans in place to strengthen their squad.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Forest are preparing a bid for Matheus Cunha and are prepared to break their transfer record to sign the Wolves star.

Nottingham Forest to back Nuno Espirito Santo as contract lined up

Brown told Football Insider in January that Evangelos Marinakis is planning a spending spree to add to Forest’s progress – and the same is expected to take place this summer.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely with elite manager such as Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson in over a decade at Man United, insisted that the boss is keen to extend his stay at the City Ground.

“We’ve talked about Forest being busy this summer,” he told Football Insider.

“They want to strengthen their midfield, their attack, all over the pitch because they need that depth to compete in the Champions League.

“But one thing people haven’t spoken about is the manager.

“They’re working as hard as they possibly can to keep him at the club, it’s going to be a priority before the end of the season.

“Plans are being put in place to back him in the transfer window, which is going to be a busy one.

“I’ve heard they’re going to offer him a contract extension because as good as the players have been, he’s been the key to their success this season.

“I am surprised there hasn’t been more talk of an exit with these other clubs looking at managers.

“But I’m told he’s happy there and I would expect him to sign a new deal.“

Morgan Gibbs-White update emerges as Forest make transfer plan

Forest’s plans to keep Nuno at the club long-term also extend to their star players including Morgan Gibbs-White, who is attracting plenty of interest.

Brown told Football Insider that Ruben Amorim is a fan of Gibbs-White and has given the green light for Man United to make a move this summer.

The midfielder’s contract at the City Ground is set to expire in 2027 amid growing interest in a move after his impressive performances so far this season.

However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Forest are prepared to reject Gibbs-White offers as they plan to keep him for next season.