Watford could reportedly look to former Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin should current head coach Slavisa Jokanovic fail to agree a new deal at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets have not yet agreed fresh terms with Jokanovic, despite the Serbian guiding the club into the Premier League as Championship runners-up this season, with wage demands said to be stalling matters.
Guidolin guided Udinese, who are also owned by Watford owners the Pozzo family, to two top-four finishes in Serie A and Champions League qualification during his four years in charge.
The 59-year-old stepped down last year to take up a position as technical supervisor of the three Pozzo clubs, with the third being Spanish side Granada.
According to MondoUdinese, the Pozzo family will ask Guidolin to step in as Watford manager if they fail to agree a deal with Jokanovic.
Jokanovic took charge of the Hertfordshire side in October.