Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka has been sensationally linked to the managerial vacancy at Portuguese giants, Sporting Lisbon. 

The news will come as a huge blow to Forest fans who would have hoped that Karanka could spearhead their promotion push this season.

The report from Portugal hints that Sporting have already made an approach for the Spaniard which is yet to formally responded to by Karanka.

The Reds are currently 7th in the Championship table and are just two points behind their rivals Derby County, who currently occupy the last play-off place.

The likes of Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley have been in excellent form for Karanka's side this season and they will be hoping to add to their impressive goalscoring records already in this years campaign.

Karanka is set to be in the dugout for their crucial game against table-topping Sheffield United at the weekend, but there are sure to be many questions asked about the Forest boss' future at the club.

There is no doubt that the Forest boss could be tempted to leave the club to join Sporting, but many Reds fans will be hoping he can see out the rest of the season and lead the club back to the Premier League.

The Verdict: 

If Karanka does leave Forest for a move to Sporting before the season concludes, then he is definitely going to derail their whole season.

The Forest boss has been crucial in his side's upturn in form this season and is the main reason as to why they are challenging for a promotion place in this years campaign.

I can understand why he would want to move to Portugal though, with Sporting competing in the top-flight and on the European stage as well, but I would be surprised to see Karanka take this job, as I'm sure he will want to finish the job he started at the City Ground.