Michael Dawson says he isn’t surprised by talk that Nottingham Forest could move for Sean Dyche if Ange Postecoglou is dismissed, but admits he doesn’t like hearing such speculation.

Postecoglou is already under pressure at the City Ground after failing to win any of his first seven matches, suffering five defeats. His position is under scrutiny as Forest prepare to face Chelsea at home in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly considering his options, with Dyche emerging as a leading contender should a change be made. The former Everton and Burnley boss has been out of work since leaving the Toffees in January.

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Forest defender Dawson said: “I don’t like that at any football club when you’ve got a manager already in place. I was reading about the Sean Dyche rumours.

“Sean Dyche is a top manager, no question, but Marinakis brought in Ange for a reason — and now, after seven games, you’re thinking of changing your mind? We all knew what Ange was coming in to do.

“That said, clubs near the bottom of the Premier League will always look at Dyche because of the jobs he’s done at Burnley and Everton. It’s no surprise struggling sides are mentioning his name — he’s a top manager.”