Former Watford manager Quique Flores has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to take over as the new Stoke City boss.

The Potters parted company with Paul Lambert by mutual consent on Friday following their relegation to the Championship, with the Scot having won just two of his 15 matches in charge of the club.

The likes of Nigel Pearson and Mick McCarthy are thought to be in the running to replace Lambert at the bet365 Stadium, but the Daily Mail reports that Flores is now leading the race.

Stoke initially approached the 53-year-old in January, only for Flores to turn the move down in favour of staying at La Liga side Espanyol.

However, the Spaniard has since been sacked from that role and is currently a free agent looking for a new job.

Former West Ham United boss David Moyes and Derby County manager Gary Rowett are also thought to be on Stoke's shortlist ahead of their return to the second tier.