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Martin O'Neill tempted by first Premier League job since Sunderland exit in 2013
The 65-year-old experienced sustained success with Celtic and Aston Villa
Stoke will begin the process of replacing Mark Hughes on Monday morning
Derby County manager Gary Rowett is another candidate featuring highly

Published: 17:42 EST, 7 January 2018 | Updated: 07:09 EST, 8 January 2018

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Stoke will begin the process of identifying the club’s next manager on Monday morning, with Martin O’Neill understood to be interested.

The Stoke board sacked Mark Hughes without a successor lined up but are aiming to make an appointment in time for next Monday’s game at Manchester United.

O’Neill, 65, last managed in the top-flight in 2013 with Sunderland, but he experienced sustained success at Aston Villa, Celtic and Leicester, and the Republic of Ireland manager retains a desire to return to club football.

Stoke City chiefs will begin the process of looking for Mark Hughes' successor on Monday

Gary Rowett, who has led Derby County to second in the Championship, is another candidate featuring highly.

The 43-year-old won admirers for exceeding expectations at Birmingham but would be difficult to extract from Pride Park. Ronald Koeman is also under consideration and is out of work following his sacking by Everton.

Peter Coates, the Stoke City chairman, and his son, John, the club vice-chairman, will decide who replaces Hughes.

They are known to want a manager with experience of the English game. They are willing to take soundings now that Hughes has been dismissed.

With the club languishing in the relegation zone, whoever is appointed would need to generate good feeling among fans, and will be given funds for January transfers.