Nottingham Forest have aligned themselves with the Premier League ‘big six’ after siding with them on a recent shareholder vote, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Siding with the 'big six'

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Steve Cooper’s side are making an effort to align themselves with the top-flight’s so-called biggest clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been revealed that the Midlands outfit recently sided with the ‘big six’ during a shareholder vote regarding half-time interviews and greater training ground media access.

The Latest: Maguire has his say

Maguire believes that Forest are strategizing in this way to help elevate themselves to once again emerge as one of the biggest clubs in England.

Speaking with Football Insider, the finance guru claimed: “Under the owner, Forest want to see themselves as significant players and build up major alliances in the Premier League.

“Therefore, they are trying to show that they aren’t going to align all the time with the other 14 teams in the Premier League.

“This is their way of saying to the ‘Big Six’, whose reputation has been tarnished by the Super League, that they are new kids on the block and that they won’t pre-judge. They want a business relationship.”

The Verdict: Huge ambition

Cooper’s side have made a strong start to their first top-flight campaign in 23 years having amassed four points in their opening three games.

However, Forest will be hoping to improve as the season goes on after spending just shy of £150m this summer following the recent arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White at City Ground, whose transfer fee totalled a staggering £42.5m including potential add-ons.

If they do end up remaining in the Premier League this season, the behind-the-scenes strategy employed by the club will reap its rewards for years to come - but this won't entail a stroll in the park for Forest.