According to The Stoke Sentinel, Derby County manager Gary Rowett is a target for Stoke City.

Stoke City are now searching for a new manager after sacking Mark Hughes.

The Potters are currently 18th in the Premier League and are facing a relegation battle.

And after losing 2-1 away at Coventry City in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, Stoke finally decided to dismiss Mark Hughes of his duties.

The search for a new manager is on and it will have to be a swift appointment because they have not appointed a caretaker boss to take interim charge of the club.

Stoke City's owners are expected to start the appointment process at the beginning of next week and two names are standing out at the top of their list.

Derby County manager Gary Rowett is one while Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill is another.

Rowett has guided Derby to second place in the Sky Bet Championship as they continue to target promotion at Pride Park.

His previous experience saw him bring success to Burton Albion before getting Birmingham City to the verge of the play-offs on a shoestring budget.

The Verdict

Derby will obviously be desperate to keep Rowett because he has turned things around in a short period of time at the club.

But they will be hoping that he has bought into the project at Pride Park and is not tempted away by the lure of the Premier League or more money.

The 43-year-old is still a relative newcomer in the managerial game and he should bide his time before making the step up to Premier League.

Derby fans - What do you make of this news? Let us know below...