Stoke City have reportedly identified Dean Smith as one of their preferred managerial candidates.
On Sunday evening, the Potters announced that they had decided to part ways with Alex Neil after just 16 months in charge.
While Stoke recently underwent somewhat of a resurgence under the Scot, four successive defeats have led to the hierarchy opting for a change in direction in a bid to save their season.
As it stands, the Staffordshire outfit are in 20th position in the Championship standings, just two points above the relegation zone.
The vacant position is expected to be a popular one, particularly when it is available shortly before the January transfer window.
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According to Football Insider, club officials already have a name in mind with regards to a replacement with Smith having already been approached.
Most recently, Smith was at the helm for Leicester City's final eight games of last season, accumulating nine points from their final eight Premier League fixtures before relegation.
However, the Foxes decided against handing the Englishman the reins on a permanent basis, and he remains available at a time when several Championship clubs are without a full-time boss or head coach.
Despite a poor spell with Norwich City, the 52-year-old remains an attractive option for teams in the second tier courtesy of his stints with Brentford and Aston Villa.
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In lengthy periods at both clubs, where he managed 143 and 139 games respectively, he possesses a win ratio of just below 40%, a solid return when taking everything into consideration.
Although the report does not specify whether Smith is open to taking over at Stoke, conversations are being held with Stoke seemingly wanting a Championship-proven manager.
Not since 2006 have Stoke had a non-British manager at the helm on a permanent basis and the likelihood is that will continue with their next appointment.
Former Birmingham City boss John Eustace is the current bookmakers' favourite with Tony Mowbray, Steven Schumacher and Scott Parker also viewed as potential candidates.
Darren Plant
