SOCCER:Nottingham Forest are holding talks with former Derby boss Billy Davies after identifying him as the man they want to replace the axed Colin Calderwood.

Forest sacked Calderwood on St Stephen's Day following the 4-2 defeat to Doncaster, with chief executive Mark Arthur indicating the club were looking for a speedy appointment — preferably before the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City this Saturday.

Davies has been out of football for 13 months since leaving Derby following their poor start in last season's Premier League.

A club statement said: "Nottingham Forest have confirmed they have entered into negotiations with Billy Davies as their preferred candidate to take over as manager."