Stoke City are in the market for a new manager after the sacking of Gary Rowett on Tuesday, and Luton's Nathan Jones has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the job, according to the Daily Mail. 

It is also thought that Sheffield United's Chris Wilder is being targeted by the Potters, who have struggled for large parts of this season.

It's no surprise to see Jones being linked with a job in the Championship, as he has led his Luton side up to second in the League One table, which is hugely impressive after promotion last year.

But there will be questions as to whether the Luton boss could get the best out of some underperforming players currently at Stoke, and he might not want to ruin his glowing reputation as a manager.

Luton are likely to do everything they can to hold onto their manager, as there will be fears that if Jones departs, then it could potentially derail their surprise promotion bid.

But who could Luton turn to if Stoke did appoint Jones?

Find out below....

Darren Ferguson 

Ferguson is proven at this level, having managed both Doncaster and Peterborough most recently, and he'd be confident of getting the best out of the Luton squad this season.

Although he struggled at Doncaster in his last managerial spell, he would be considered as the safest option for Luton if they are to look for Jones' successor.

Brian McDermott

McDermott hasn't been in football management since he was dismissed as Reading manager for the second time.

He's currently a scout at Arsenal, but could be tempted back into management if Luton came calling.

McDermott has experience of success, and if Luton are planning for life in the Championship, then McDermott could be the perfect replacement for Jones.

Micky Mellon

The Tranmere boss has done an excellent job in a short space of time, which is sure to raise potential interest from other clubs higher in the football pyramid.

Mellon led Tranmere back into the Football League in 2018 and has already shown just what he can do this season, with his side currently sat ninth in the League Two table and just four points adrift of the play-offs.

It would be a gamble, but it could certainly pay off for Luton if they were to appoint him.