Nottingham Forest __have appointed Frank McParland as director of football, fuelling speculation that Mark Warburton could arrive as manager in the summer.
Warburton, his assistant David Weir and McParland worked together at both Brentford and Rangers before their stay at Ibrox came to an acrimonious end last month.
Warburton was rumoured to __have held talks with Forest before his exit from Rangers, although he denied any link with the Championship strugglers.
Forest have since handed caretaker bosses Gary Brazil and Jack Lester the reins until the end of the season. Previous boss Philippe Montanier was sacked in January after less than seven months in charge.
Forest confirmed that McParland, 56, has joined on a temporary basis until the summer with a view to making the role permanent.
He is credited with recruiting Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe while working for Liverpool, and Scott Hogan and Andre Gray at Brentford.
Forest are currently four points above the relegation zone and face promotion-chasing Brighton at the City Ground on Saturday.