Ryan Giggs is in talks to become Nottingham Forest manager

Reports in the English press this morning claim that Ryan Giggs is set to end his 29-year association with Manchester United to become the new Nottingham Forest manager.

The Mirror reports: "Ryan Giggs is on the brink of becoming the new Nottingham Forest manager . . . He will succeed Dougie Freedman in the role that has been vacated since March with Paul Williams acting as interim caretaker."

Ever since José Mourninho’s appointment as the new United boss last month, speculation has been rife over whether Giggs would remain at the club or leave to forge his own managerial path -- as we discussed in The Great Red Debate two weeks ago.

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After almost three decacades at the club — as an apprentice, player and coach/assistant manager — it is no secret that the former Wales international winger has had his sight set on the top job at Old Trafford for some time.

When David Moyes was dismissed in April 2014, Giggs stepped in to become caretaker boss for the remainder of the season. And when Louis van Gaal was appointed the following summer, Giggs was made assistant manager.

The plan was that van Gaal would see out his three-year contract before handing the reins over to Giggs. But poor performances on the pitch led to the Dutch tactician being outsted a year early, and with Giggs viewed as lacking sufficient experience to steady the ship, former Chelsea manager Mourinho was appointed.

It is believed that Giggs had been offered a coaching role as part of Mourinho’s staff, but the Portuguese was not keen on retaining United’s record appearance-maker as his assistant.

Having returned from his post-season holiday it is expected that Giggs will inform the club of his intention to leave, before entering talks with Forest with a view to taking over at the City Ground.