Watford set to replace manager Slavisa Jokanovic despite Premier League promotion and have 'made an approach' to Quique Flores

Jokanovic is out of contract and despite finishing second in the Championship looks set to be replaced by the former Atletico Madrid manager

Slavisa Jokanovic and Quique Flores (Getty Images)

Watford look set to replace manager Slavisa Jokanovic despite the Serbian leading the Hornet to promotion to the Premier League, and are reported to be in talks with former Atletico Madrid manager Quique Flores.

Jokanovic became Watford’s fourth manager of the season when he replaced Billy McKinlay in October, with the Scot taking charge of just two matches. His appointment came off the back of Oscar Garcia’s resignation, with the Spaniard only taking the job in September having replaced Giuseppe Sannino.

Jokanovic’s arrival brought some stability to the club, and saw them mount a charge up the Championship table, culminating in a second-place finish and automatic promotion to the Premier League along with Bournemouth and play-off winners Norwich.

Slavisa Jokanovic looks like he'll be replaced as Watford manager (Getty Images)

However, Jokanovic was only signed on a contract until the end of the season, and he is reported to be extremely disappointed by Watford’s offer to extend his stay at Vicarage Road.

With the 46-year0old facing a surprise exit before the Premier League gets underway, the Daily Mail claim that Flores has emerged as the number one target for the Hornets, and an official approach is already said to have been made.

Quique Flores is in talks to take the Watford job (Getty Images)

50-year-old Flores learnt his trade at Real Madrid’s youth coach in 2001, before taking on jobs with Getafe in 2004 and Valencia a year later. He moved to Portugal in 2008 to take charge of Benfica before returning home to become manager of Atletico, where he remained in charge until 2011and won the Europa League with the likes of David De Gea and Sergio Aguero among his ranks. Flores subsequently moved to the Middle East to manage Al-Ahli and Al-Ain.

It’s believed he came close to taking the West Brom job 18 months ago when Steve Clarke was sacked, only to miss out on the job as Pepe Mel was given the reins, and his latest role came in a short return to Getafe, though he resigned after a month citing personal reasons for his early departure.