FOR the last few weeks, David Beckham could not go to the toilet without it inspiring a 'breaking news' update on the television sports news.

But, while the ongoing saga of his loan move to Tottenham rumbles on and on, Nottingham Forest are quietly hoping to complete a signing of their own from across the Atlantic.

And, while it may be the former England captain who continues to dominate the headlines, if Billy Davies gets his way, Robbie Findley may not be the last American to sneak under the radar and find his way onto English soil.

The USA international will discover today if he will be granted a work permit for his move to the City Ground.

But Davies is already hinting that there may be more potential signings who may emulate his journey in the future.

"I was introduced to the MLS back in 2001 when John Spencer signed for Colorado Rapids," said Davies.

"He is my brother-in-law so we would go to watch him play and coach on a regular basis.

"I do think it is a very good market place. There are more American players in European football than ever before.

"There are huge numbers of them playing across Europe, which tells you how much these players have improved.

"They are a genuine world power now."

In 2011, 'brand Beckham' has helped boost the reputation of soccer as a sport Stateside.

But Davies believes it is the mentality and drive of the home-grown players in the league that has been the biggest driving force in its steady growth.

"In 2001, the MLS was unknown," said Davies. "Back then, you would go to huge stadiums which would be virtually empty.

"But we have seen the development over the past ten years and you can see the quality that is coming through.

"Very few American players will let you down. They are great assets to have from a football point of view and from a personality point of view.

"They are very important players and have developed in a major way over recent years."

Davies spent a lot of time in America after leaving Derby County.

"When I was out of the game, I made three or four visits to America. I was looking at academies and clubs and I spoke to many different coaches and managers," he said.

"John, my brother-in-law, has been involved with the All Star team in America, as well as coaching at Houston.

"I have seen lots of games because of that and I am lucky I have such a good contact.

"And I know Robbie is a quality player who is looking for challenges in his life; who is in a good position in his career.

"I first came across him in 2006 when he played for Real Salt Lake against Houston Dynamo.

"He caught my eye back then and we have watched him since and kept in touch with his progress."

Davies will find himself up against another familiar face tomorrow, in the form of Steve Cotterill.

The Portsmouth manager was a neighbour of Davies when the Scot was in charge at Preston and he was Burnley manager and again, more recently, when Cotterill was at the Notts County helm.

Cotterill will bring with him a tiny Portsmouth squad that has been stretched further by a bizarre situation that sees both Michael Brown and Richard Hughes ruled out of action for financial reasons.

If either player plays another game for the club they are contractually entitled to significant pay-rises and extensions to their deals that cash-strapped Portsmouth cannot afford.

But, despite their friendship, Davies has little sympathy.

"I know him well. I know his qualities and the work ethic he has got," said Davies.

"He will have his team organised and his players prepared.

"But he will know to expect the same thing from us.

"They have experience, they have a lot of quality and an excellent manager and staff.

"They are a dangerous side and it is a game we have to be prepared for, if we want to pick up three points.

"As for the situation they find themselves in, I don't have sympathy for him. We all have worries and concerns.

"We all have problems and issues. Every club is the same.

"I don't expect any club in the league to start worrying about us.

"I am sure they will not expect us to be concerned for them.

"It is a difficult time for them.

"But all you can do at any club is do the best you can with the resources you have got to work with.

"That is what we do and I am certain that is what Stevie is doing at his club."

Forest go into the game looking to extend their unbeaten run to 32 matches at the City Ground against a Portsmouth side that has not won in five matches.

"There is a long season ahead and we are not going to get carried away," said Davies.

"There is a great spirit in the camp at the minute.

"We are all doing what we can to bring success to this club.

"The squad will now be tested over the coming months, because we have a lot of games coming up.

"This is when the depth of squad is tested to the limit, in the next few months.

"The City Ground has been great for us and we have worked away on that run.

"But we will continue to work on that run.

"We will prepare for another difficult game and work on how we can claim three points."

Forest also return to home territory having seemingly addressed their away form, by securing back-to-back wins at Ipswich and Preston, in the FA Cup.

But Davies believes that is no more than they deserved, following a year when their performances were not always reflected fairly with results.

"2010 was unfortunate for us away from home," said Davies. "Performance wise, we were very consistent.

"We played a lot of good stuff and deserved more than we got.

"But we have now started 2011 reasonably well. But we will keep our feet on the ground.

"We have a number of games in hand, we are in good form and there is a good spirit among the group.

"But all we can do is ask everyone to give it their best."

And, in the meantime, Forest will be hoping at least one arrival from the States is soon making headlines for the right reasons, through his contributions on the pitch.