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Watford set to name former Malaga boss Javi Gracia as new manager

Malaga manager Javi Gracia during a friendly match against West Ham United as part of the Schalke 04 Cup Day at Veltins-Arena on August 3, 2014
Image: Javi Gracia is in line to become the new Watford manager

Former Malaga and Rubin Kazan manager Javi Gracia will be named Watford head coach by Monday after agreeing a two-year deal with the club, Sky sources understand.

Marco Silva was sacked on Sunday following a run of poor results that has seen the Hornets win just one of their last 11 Premier League games, culminating in their 2-0 defeat away to Leicester on Saturday.

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Sky sources understand Javi Gracia will replace Marco Silva at Watford after he was sacked

Watford were also unhappy with the destabilising effect Everton's approach to Silva has had on the club, with the Toffees initially keen to talk to the Portuguese about becoming their new manager before Sam Allardyce was appointed to the role.

Who is Javi Gracia?
Who is Javi Gracia?

Javi Gracia spoke to Sky Sports in October about how he beat Barcelona and his Premier League possibilities...

Gracia left Rubin Kazan after they could only finish ninth in the Russian Premier League but he now looks set to be given the opportunity to try his luck in the English top-flight.

He will meet the Watford squad for training on Monday and will bring four new backroom staff members along with him, according to Sky sources.

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The Sunday Supplement panel react to Watford sacking Marco Silva after a run of just one win in 11 games in the Premier League

Sky Sports News understands funds are available to the new boss in the January transfer window, but space must be made in Watford's squad before any new players can be signed.

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Watford face Southampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup at St Mary's on Saturday before travelling to Stoke in the Premier League on January 31.

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