Marco Silva's sacking was confirmed with a replacement already in mind, the Watford Observer understands, with a new head coach likely to be confirmed by midweek.

As has been reported elsewhere, the coach follows the recent trend of foreign Watford managers, and has never managed in the Premier League.

His first task will be to arrest an alarming run of two wins in 12 in all competitions, starting with Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash at Southampton.

By that time, Watford could be three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, depending on the outcome of this afternoon's game between Southampton and Tottenham.

Former Malaga coach Javi Gracia is the early favourite to succeed Silva, and has been without a club since he left Rubin Kazan in June.

Others among the frontrunners include current Malaga boss Jose Lopez, and ex-Bayern Leverkusen chief Roger Schmidt, who was previously linked to the club in the summer.