Watford are set to sack head coach Paulo Pezzolano after just five months in charge.
Crunch talks are being held on Tuesday with the club hierarchy expected to part ways with the 42-year-old.
Pezzolano was appointed by the Hornets on May 13, replacing Tom Cleverley, who was sacked seven days earlier.
Sky Sports News understands Javi Gracia, who was previously in charge for 66 games at Watford between January 2018 and September 2019, is the number one target to replace Pezzolano.
The Uruguayan has had a mixed start in the Championship this season, after being backed heavily in the transfer market.
Pezzolano has taken charge of just 10 competitive games in all competitions.
Watford had taken just five points from the first six Sky Bet Championship games, but they have taken seven points from the last three and moved to within three points of the play-off places.
On Saturday October 4, Pezzolano’s side came from behind to beat Oxford 2-1.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship game between Watford and Oxford
Pezzolano’s reign could become the third-shortest in Watford’s history, behind only Oscar Garcia (four games, September 2014) and Billy McKinlay (two games, September to October 2014).
