Former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores has emerged as an option for manager-lessStoke City.
The 52-year-old is currently coaching Espanyol, 14th in La Liga, and is under contract until 2019.
Sanchez Flores was sacked by Watford in May 2016 despite guiding to a 13th place finish and an FA Cup semi-final in their first season back in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has also managed Valencia, Benfica and Atletico Madrid.