Sabri Lamouchi is understood to have rejected Premier League Watford on two occasions, as the Hornets seek a new manager after sacking Quique Sanchez Flores, news which has been welcomed by Nottingham Forest supporters desperate to keep the 48-year-old.
Watford joined the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham in sacking their manager in recent weeks, with Lamouchi proving to be one of the contenders for the Vicarage Road vacancy after a bright start to life on British shores.
The Frenchman, in his first season in English football has enjoyed a promising honeymoon period, guiding the Reds to fourth place in the Championship as he seeks to end a two-decade wait for top flight football at the City Ground.
“After sacking Quique Flores this weekend, the leaders of Watford, currently 20th in the Premier League, contacted the former midfield(er) to offer him the job,” said a report in French newspaper L’Equipe.
“In the spirit of the Watford board, Lamouchi, beyond his experience at the top level, has demonstrated at this beginning of the season, his ability to achieve consistent results despite a relatively modest workforce.
"Launched in an operation mounted with Forest, Lamouchi, very popular with local fans, is not seen leaving the club in these conditions. He told the decision makers in Watford."
Lamouchi is a popular figure in the dressing room and on the terraces for the way in which he’s taken to work on Trentside, and news that he’s rejected the advances of the Hertfordshire side is music to the ears of Reds’ fans, with some suggesting a contract extension shouldn't be too far away.
Here’s a flavour of what they’ve been saying on social media…
