Narcis Pelach opens Stoke City talks - sources
Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach is the hot favourite to take over as Stoke City's new manager with talks now getting underway, sources have told Football Insider.
Stoke are searching for a new boss following the sacking of Steven Schumacher, 40, just five games into the new season and have asked Norwich for permission to speak with Pelach.
Talks are now set to get underway between the parties, with Pelach, 36, in line to be offered his first managerial position.
Pelach is highly regarded in coaching circles having worked under Carlos Corberan at Huddersfield prior to his move to Norwich.
Oxford United's Des Buckingham is also under consideration having impressed in guiding them to promotion from League One last season and overseeing their fine start to the season, winning three of their opening five games.
Stoke City want Narcis Pelach or Des Buckingham as Steven Schumacher replacement
Schumacher left Stoke in 13th place with two wins and three defeats from their first five Championship games of the season.
The ex-Plymouth Argyle manager was sacked after just nine months at the club having moved to the BEet365 Stadium last December, replacing Alex Neil.
Spaniard Pelach joined Norwich City under ex-manager David Wagner in 2023, assisting him for 54 games before his sacking in May.
Stoke will be without a full-time manager in place for their League Cup tie against League Two Fleetwood Town on Tuesday (September 17).
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