Watford 'identify' new manager target ahead of upcoming West Brom clash

Watford may well have a new manager lined up by the time West Brom face them next month. The Baggies are galloping towards a play-off finish, currently fifth place and with an eight-point advantage over Hull City in eighth.

Carlos Corberan will almost certainly be involved in the play-offs, but they still have work to do to make sure they extend their season. Elsewhere in the division, there have been managerial changes aplenty, and one of the latest involved Watford, who sacked Valerien Ismael before appointing former midfielder Tom Cleverley on an interim basis until the end of the season.

In the meantime, the Hornets are searching for a new full-time boss, and their search appears to have led them to Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney. That's according to Football Insider, who say Maloney could now be one of Watford's prime targets.

Maloney has done brilliantly with Wigan, leading them to 11th place despite working under a transfer embargo and having dealt with a points deduction this season. He has managed to bring through a number of youngsters to bridge the gap created by the ongoing embargo.

The Scot was appointed by Wigan back in January of last year, and it is his second job in management after previously spending time in charge of Hibs in his home country. Watford currently sit 13th in the Championship and they are all-but certain to be playing second tier football next season. They do, however, have big expectations and a trend of going through managers quickly, potentially making it more difficult to appoint up and coming bosses.