Sources: Watford line up move for QPR coach John Eustace
Queens Park Rangers assistant manager John Eustace is Watford's top target to become their new manager, Football Insider understands.
Watford have set their sights on a homegrown British manager to replace Hodgson when he steps down from his role at the end of the season.
A Watford source has told Football Insider that a number of candidates are in the frame for the post and chief among them is Eustace, who fits the bill for the type of profile they are seeking.
The Premier League club are readying an approach for the 42-year-old as they look to get a deal agreed before the end of the season.
Eustace is highly-regarded within coaching circles and had five seasons as a player at Watford during his playing career.
His management career started in 2016 at Kidderminster Harriers where he stayed for two years.
He then joined the R's in May 2018 as he became part of Steve McClaren's coaching staff.
Eustace ended up overseeing seven games as QPR caretaker boss and picked up seven points to help his side avoid relegation from the Championship in the 2018-19 season.
He stayed at the QPR following the appointment of Mark Warburton, who will leave the club at the end of the season.
The former midfielder was a regular fixture in Watford's Championship side for several years.
Between 2007 and 2013 he made 168 appearances for the Hornets, scoring 16 goals.
Watford are all but certain to be playing Championship football next season after a poor Premier League campaign.
Hodgson has been unable to turn his side's fortunes around after being appointed on 25 January.