It has been reported that Alfredo Sebastiani will join Watford’s coaching staff – with claims the approach was made last week prior to Gianfranco Zola’s departure.

Sebastiani was youth team coach at FC Sudtirol, who play in Lega Pro, the third tier of Italian football.

The 48-year-old worked for FC Sudtirol for 16 years and is a club legend having helped the side secure promotion during the 2009/10 season whilst head coach.

Giuseppe Sannino, who tonight met Watford owner Gino Pozzo and other senior members of staff regarding the vacant head coach role, spent two years working alongside Sebastiani at FC Sudtriol more than a decade ago.

The Sport News website in Suditriol reports Sebastiani was approached about becoming Watford’s assistant head coach on Thursday – four days before Zola handed in his resignation.

FC Sudtriol confirmed Sebastiani was leaving the club by mutual consent today but did not state where he was heading.

However, Sport News says he is Watford-bound and quoted Sebastiani as saying (via a translation site): "It took me a day to think about it. Afterwards I agreed. Such opportunities you get only once in life.

“Of course, I'm sorry that I have to leave a club like FC Sudtirol. Everything I've built. But working abroad has always been my dream.”

Sannino confirmed he was set for talks with Watford earlier today. Read more here.