Flores is high on hitlist at Stoke
❑ FRANCIS COQUELIN last night completed a £12million switch to Valencia as Arsene Wenger began the reshaping of his squad this month. The 26-year-old, who joined the Gunners as a trainee in 2008 from French club Stade Lavallois, only signed a contract until 2020 last year but, with his appearances restricted this season, has opted for a move. Both West Ham and Crystal Palace were interested in the Frenchman but he opted to go to La Liga. QUIQUE Sanchez Flores has emerged as a contender to become Stoke’s next boss as the club continue to consider an approach for Martin O’Neill.
Flores, manager of La Liga club Espanyol, is one of several potential candidates.
The 52-year-old spent one season in charge at Watford, leading them to 13th in the Premier League and the semifinals of the FA Cup, before effectively being sacked in May 2016 when they decided not to extend his contract.
His deal with Espanyol runs until the end of next season, but it is understood that he would be interested in a Premier League return.
Stoke have had to rejig their managerial wanted list after Gary Rowett signed a new deal on Tuesday night to stay in charge of Derby until 2021.
O’Neill remains on that list, potentially as a short-term option, and could combine the role with his job as Republic of Ireland boss until the end of the season.
The former Leicester, Aston Villa and Sunderland manager verbally agreed a two-year extension with the Football Association of Ireland before their World Cup play-off defeat by Denmark in November but has yet to sign it. Stoke are expected to make contact with O’Neill, although he is not thought to be their first choice.
The Potters still hope to have a new man in place in time for Monday’s Premier League trip to Manchester United, having sacked Mark Hughes last Saturday.
First-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki has been in caretaker charge this week, with both Hughes and his assistant Mark Bowen leaving the club after the humiliating FA Cup defeat by League Two side Coventry.
The Potters are in the Premier League drop zone after collecting just four points from their past seven games.