Exclusive - Former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has rejected an offer from Watford to take over as manager until the end of the season.
The Hornets are on the lookout for their third boss of the season, having sacked both Javi Gracia and Quique Sánchez Flores already this season, with Hayden Mullins currently in control as a caretaker.
Watford have considered a number of candidates, but 90min has learned that they approached Hughton to try and convince him to take over at least until the end of the season, but he was not interested.
Hughton has been out of work since surprisingly leaving Brighton in May 2019, having narrowly steered the Seagulls to Premier League safety.
However, he is not keen on rushing back to work and instead wants to make sure the position is right for him before committing to anything.
There may be other offers for Hughton, as Middlesbrough are monitoring his situation in the event that they find themselves needing a new manager.
Current boss Jonathan Woodgate is under pressure at the Riverside Stadium. Boro are just one point above the relegation zone in the Championship, and many fans have called for Woodgate to be relieved of his duties.
Hughton is high on Boro's wish list if they do end up parting ways with Woodgate, although there are serious doubts over whether the former Brighton man would be prepared to drop down to the Championship, rather than wait for another top-flight position.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson has also spoken to former Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock about the possibility of taking over, just in case they are unable to lure Hughton to Riverside.
It is possible that Woodgate will remain in the dugout. There are some members of the board who are completely supportive of the former centre-back, but he runs the risk of losing that confidence if results do not improve.
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Source: 90min
