Mick McCarthy in talks with Nottingham Forest

Former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was today set for more talks with Nottingham Forest's owners over the City Ground manager's job.

McCarthy, who is the leading contender ahead of ex-Villa and Birmingham chief Alex McLeish, Gordon Strachan and one-time Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle, appears to fit the Championship club's new owners' criteria.

Abdulaziz Al Hasawi, one of the new owners of Forest, confirmed: "Mick is one of the people we are talking to, but there are others.

"It's very important for the manager to have good knowledge of this league and the teams involved in it."

He added: "If he meets our requirements, we would be honoured to work with Mick."