Watford have appointed Javi Gracia as their new manager following the sacking of Marco Silva.

The Hornets surprisingly parted company with Silva following a run of just one win in their last 11 Premier League games, citing an "unwarranted approach" from a Premier League rival as their reasoning behind the change.

Watford have now moved quickly to replace Silva with 47-year-old Gracia, who has signed an 18-month contract at Vicarage Road.

Gracia has spent the majority of his coaching career in his native Spain - most notably a two-year spell with Malaga between 2014 and 2016 - although he was most recently in charge of Russian club Rubin Kazan.

Gracia's first match in the Watford dugout will come in the FA Cup next Saturday when his side take on Southampton in the fourth round.

Watford currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, just five points clear of the relegation zone.