Watford have sacked manager Marco Silva, the club have announced. Sky Bet make Javi Garcia the odds-on favourite for the job.
The Portuguese had been a target for Everton earlier in the campaign after an excellent start, but a run of one win in 11 matches has now cost him his job.
A statement from the club read: "This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly. The club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership."
Watford said Everton's approach for Silva had been "the catalyst" for this decision.
"(The approach) is something which the board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised," the statement added.
"For the security and success of the football club, the board believes it has to make a change.
"The club will seek to make a swift appointment and there will be no further comment until that appointment has been made."
Sky Bet Specials
Next Watford Manager Betting, the main contenders:
- Javi Garcia (1/20)
- Jose Lopez (8/1)
- 20/1 Bar - click here for all the latest odds.
- Prices correct when betting was suspended at 1250 GMT 21/01/2018
Watford are looking for their 10th manager in seven years following the sacking of Marco Silva on Sunday.
Here are the main contenders:
Javi Gracia
Reports have suggested the Hornets already have a replacement for Silva lined up and that he will be new to the Premier League. Early favourite Gracia was axed by Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan at the end of last season following a ninth-placed finish. In an interview with Sky Sports in October the 41-year-old cited the different "culture and character" as the reason for his unhappy spell in Russia, admitting it was "very tough". Gracia speaks good English and has spoken of his love for the Premier League. The former Malaga boss could fit the bill.
Paulo Fonseca
Former Portugal international Fonseca, who currently coaches Shakhtar Donetsk, has previously stated his desire to work in England's top flight and was reportedly interviewed for the Everton job before Sam Allardyce's appointment. Fonseca, 44, hit the headlines when he arrived for a Champions League press conference wearing a Zorro mask.
Roger Schmidt
Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Schmidt is another name linked. The 50-year-old is currently the head coach of Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan - a role he only took on in June 2017. Schmidt enjoyed success in Austria at Red Bull Salzburg, leading the club to the title in 2013/14.
Manuel Pellegrini
The veteran Chilean would not be a new face to English football having led Manchester City to the Premier League title and League Cup double in 2013/14, but he is an early front-runner for the job. The 64-year-old is currently managing Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune, who finished fourth in his first campaign in charge. Pellegrini was recently quoted in Spanish daily Marca suggesting Chinese teams "lack 20 or 30 years of development" and it could be that a return to England would appeal.
Roberto Mancini
Another former Manchester City boss, Mancini is currently coach of Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg and is under contract there for another two seasons. However, the 53-year-old recently stated his interest in becoming Italy boss, while reports in Australia suggest he is wanted by the Socceroos to coach the country for their World Cup campaign, so he may be ready to leave the Russian Premier League.
