Forest closer to takeover

It had been reported that the super-rich Kuwaiti-based businessmen were in the process of buying the late Nigel Doughty's controlling stake in the npower Championship club and negotiations are confirmed to be at an advanced stage.

A club statement read: "The board of directors of Nottingham Forest can confirm that the estate of Nigel Doughty has granted an exclusive period of negotiation to Messrs Fawaz, Abdulaziz and Omar Al-Hasawi over the potential purchase of the club.

"Advisors on behalf of the Al-Hasawi family are conducting the usual buyer's due diligence, assisted by the estate and senior management at the football club.

"At this time we ask fans to ignore all media speculation and we will update supporters as soon as there is anything material to report."

The Al-Hasawi's added in their own statement: "We are currently completing our due diligence process in preparation for the exciting challenges ahead of us.

"The future on-field and off-field success of Nottingham Forest is at the heart of our plans which we will of course announce in due course."