Stoke City have made a move for Spanish coach Quiqie Sanchez Flores.

Flores has been with Espanyol since 2016, when he left Watford after just one season. He has performed well in Barcelona, guiding his side to 8th in La Liga last season.

Now after a considering their options, which also includes Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, Stoke have made a move for Flores and 52-year-old is in line to succeed Mark Hughes.

The Potters ideally want a decision by the weekend and club sources are ‘hopeful’ they soon announce their new boss – although they also insist that O’Neil is very much in the frame too.

It is now little surprise that Flores is now odds-on favourite for the role at 2/5 with BetVictor, with O’Neil listed at 9/4.

“Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores was 50/1 a few days ago for the vacant position at Stoke but now finds himself the 2/5 favourite after proving very popular with punters recently,” said BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt.

A few lucky ones availed themselves of the 50/1 and he was 6/1 today before news broke of Stokes intent to secure his services. With Gary Rowett signing an extended contract with Derby and Slaven Bilic been dismissed as not been a runner, candidates were beginning to fall  but the Spaniard looks the man in pole position to land the job in the Potteries.