Former Schalke and Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl is a contender to replace Nathan Jones at Stoke City, according to reports from German media outlet Bild.

The Potters are on the lookout for a new manager after parting company with Jones on Friday afternoon, with the club sitting six points adrift of safety in the Sky Bet Championship table with a game in hand.

The club were believed to be interesting in appointing Alex Neil as their new boss, but Preston North End have thrown cold water on those claims by posting two club statements reiterating the Scot's commitment to the Lilywhites.

But a fresh face has now appeared on Stoke's managerial radar, with German media outlet Bild claiming that the Potters are holding an interest in Weinzierl.

The report claims that Stoke City "has an interest” in the coach and “an urgent need for action” to make a swift appointment.

The 44-year-old's managerial career kickstarted at Jahn Regensburg, winning 49 out of 140 games in charge of the club during a four-year tenure.

He then moved to Augsburg in 2012, saving them relegation on the last day of his first season in charge, before taking them to within touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League.

He has since endured time in charge of Schalke and Stuttgart, but was sacked by the latter in April after winning four out of 23 games at the helm.

Stoke face promotion contenders West Bromwich Albion at the bet365 Stadium on Monday night.

The Verdict

This would be a very risky appointment for Stoke if they went and hired Weinzierl.

Of course, German managers have had huge success in the Championship before, with the likes of David Wagner and Daniel Farke bringing fresh, vibrant ideas to the division.

But Stoke are currently in a battle and are already six points adrift of safety, so they need a manager who knows how to pick up wins in the Championship.