David Moyes

Moyes has been heavily backed to return to management at Stoke and is the early favourite for the job. The Scot established himself as one of the Premier League's top managers during his 11-year spell at Everton and his stock remains high despite unsuccessful spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland. He has been out of work since steering West Ham to Premier League safety last season.

Slavisa Jokanovic

Former Watford and Fulham boss Jokanovic is among the early favourites to succeed Rowett and with good reason. The Serbian is the only overseas manager to win two promotions to the Premier League (with Watford 2015 and Fulham in 2018) and has won plenty of admirers for his attractive style of play – the kind Stoke fans have been crying out for this season.

Sam Allardyce

Allardyce's name is always high on the bookmakers' list when a managerial vacancy comes around. He too has twice won promotion to the top flight (with Bolton in 2001 and West Ham in 2012) and would no doubt resolve the current malaise at the club. But his pragmatic approach has proved divisive in the past and could count against him.

Derek McInnes

McInnes turned down the chance to take charge of Sunderland and Rangers in 2017 and instead chose to stay at Aberdeen, who he has turned into force again in the Ladbrokes Premiership. The 47-year-old Scot has guided the Dons to three successive second-placed finishes behind Celtic and has also won promotion to the top flight with St Johnstone.

Martin O'Neill

The 66-year-old Northern Irishman has been out of work since leaving his role as Republic of Ireland boss in November. O'Neill enjoyed considerable success in charge of Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic, but resigned as Aston Villa manager in 2010 and was sacked by Sunderland in 2013. His stint at the Republic's helm ended soon after they were relegated to UEFA Nations League C.

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