Nottingham Forest's new owners have dismissed speculation that they have held discussions with Glenn Hoddle over their managerial vacancy.

The Al Hasawi family are searching for a new boss following their decision to sack Steve Cotterill last week.

Despite admitting that the club have around five candidates in mind, Abdulaziz Al Hasawi has insisted that Hoddle has not already been sounded out about the role.

"We have not spoken to Glenn Hoddle," he told reporters. "Steve Cotterill was a good steward for Forest during difficult times, but we felt we needed a fresh start.

"We are in discussions with four or five figures in the football world, who have a perfect understanding of this league, and hopefully in a week all matters should be finalised and it will be revealed.

"We are looking for the best in the business. We will start meeting people within a day. We have to secure this within the next three or four days because we have to get started."

Hoddle was among the five contenders that Sports Mole assessed earlier this afternoon.