Watford will sack Quique Sanchez Flores just 85 days into his second stint with the Hornets, according to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal.

It’s believed Sanchez Flores will be officially notified of his dismissal during a meeting at Watford’s training ground on Sunday.

The Spaniard has failed to turn the club’s season around in the 10 Premier League matches since his surprising return to Vicarage Road in September after being named Javi Gracia’s successor.

The London-based club sits last in the Premier League after 14 games. Watford have only managed to win one league match under the 54-year-old’s leadership. He previously served as the team’s head coach during the 2015-16 campaign.

Saturday’s away loss to Southampton leaves Watford six from safety.

Watford will target a manager who hasn’t previously worked at the club, and a candidate who’s currently out of a job, according to Leventhal. A new manager is expected to be appointed before Wednesday’s encounter with Leicester City.

Some Watford players will view Sanchez Flores’ departure as a step in the right direction, as Leventhal reports members of the club had lost faith in his ability to get the team back on track. There was also disappointment in his decision to not use captain Troy Deeney in Saturday’s match.

Club officials had reportedly decided earlier in the week to retain Sanchez Flores until at least the Southampton match despite the team’s poor run.