Former Leicester City boss Claude Puel is reportedly one of the leading managerial candidates being lined up by Watford to take over at the club at the end of the season.

The Hornets sacked manager Nigel Pearson after only eight months in charge and with just two Premier League matches left to play, following significant differences in opinion between Pearson and owner Gino Pozzo in the aftermath of their 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.

The Daily Mail reports that Watford were keen on Pearson's assistant Craig Shakespeare taking the reins until the end of the season, but the former Leicester boss has stayed loyal and has also left Vicarage Road.

Watford's Under-23s manager Hayden Mullins will take charge of the Hornets, who face huge tests in their final two Premier League matches against Manchester City and Arsenal as they seek to hold on to their Premier League status.

The Hornets are looking for their 13th permanent manager since the Pozzo family took the reins in 2012 and the current St Etienne boss Puel is being considered as Pearson's replacement.

Despite the Ligue 1 season being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Puel's current side will be in action against Paris Saint-Germain on Friday in the 2020 Coupe de France final.

The 58-year-old was sacked by Leicester last season and was also dismissed by Southampton in his previous Premier League posts.