Stoke City have reportedly identified Quique Flores as their main target in the search for a new manager.
Last weekend, Stoke announced that Mark Hughes had left his role at the bet365 Stadium after the club's 2-1 defeat at Coventry City in the FA Cup.
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill had been regarded as the frontrunner for the position, but according to BBC Sport, Flores is now favoured by the Potters hierarchy.
Flores is currently in charge of Spanish side Espanyol, who sit in 12th place in the La Liga standings, and the 52-year-old's contract does not expire until 2019.
During the 2015-16 campaign, Flores led Watford to a 13th-place finish in the top flight, as well as guiding the Hornets to the FA Cup semi-finals.
Flores is expected to make his final decision over the approach on Friday.
