Former Watford boss Slavisa Jovanovic is allegedly Blackburn Rovers' first choice to succeed the ousted Gary Bowyer as manager.

Jovanovic, who guided the Hornets to the Premier League last season, has already held informal talks with Blackburn owners Venky's, according to The Mirror.

The club's Indian owners have also shortlisted ex-Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert as a potential successor to Bowyer.

Jovanovic is currently managing Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Lambert has been out of work since being sacked by Villa last season.

Venky's reportedly believe that promotion is still a realistic target for Blackburn this season, despite the club's indifferent start to their Championship campaign.