Edu officially began his role at Nottingham Forest in July. Nottingham Forest's global head of football Edu has been asked to stay away from the club's training ground amid mounting uncertainty over his future.

BBC Sport reported on Monday that the executive's role at the City Ground is under significant internal scrutiny owing to the club's poor season so far. Forest are 17th in the Premier League and level on points with West Ham, outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

It is understood Edu, 47, has not been present at a Forest's three most recent games, against Fenerbahce, Brighton and Manchester City. The club have declined to comment but sources close to Forest insist that Edu continues to work as normal.

Forest 'focusing on the present' - but will they stay up? Having started the season with Nuno Espirito Santo in charge, Forest's players are working under their fourth manager of the season in Vitor Pereira. Nuno was sacked largely because of a breakdown in relations with Edu, with Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche suffering the same fate.

Pereira has been tasked with guiding Forest to top-flight survival but has yet to win a Premier League game since his appointment last month. In terms of player recruitment, Forest have spent close to £200m on new players since the summer, a strategy that Edu – given his remit – has been central to.

Given their poor league position, there are understood to be misgivings internally with regards to Edu's performance. Sources have indicated to BBC Sport in recent days that Edu is likely to leave the City Ground before next season – but the club insist that is not true. Nevertheless, Edu's role remains under major scrutiny heading into the final weeks of the season.