Potters close to Flores deal

QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES looks set to be in the stands at Old Trafford on Monday as Stoke’s new manager.

The 52-year-old former Watford boss is set to succeed Mark Hughes, who was sacked on Saturday.

It is understood that Stoke vicechairman John Coates and chief executive Tony Scholes flew to Spain at the weekend to see the current Espanyol manager.

The Potters were hoping to have their new man in charge in time for Monday’s clash with United, but that seems optimistic, with a compensation deal for the remaining 18 months of Flores’ contract – believed to be around £3m – still to be agreed. Sanchez (left) led Watford to 13th spot in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals before being let go in May 2016.