Watford are expected to stick with Xisco Munoz as head coach next season, the Watford Observer understands.

Reports published by the Times in recent weeks suggested the coach's lack of a UEFA Pro Licence would force the club to go in another direction, with the badge required for anyone managing in the Premier League.

However, Munoz has already begun the work necessary for him to obtain his licence, which the club are confident means that he will be eligible to manage in the top flight come August.

Previously, special dispensation has been given to coaches working towards their Pro Licence, including for current England boss Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough and Paul Ince at Blackburn Rovers back in 2008, and it is expected that the same would apply in this case.

Earlier today, the Watford Observer was told that the club were impressed with the job Munoz has done since arriving in December and that they were prepared to stick by him.

Those words have also been echoed in public by technical director Cristiano Giaretta, who told Tutto Mercato Web: "He did a great job, but we believe in the group. The coach around him has highly professional and numerous resources. One moment we were out of the playoffs, but then we recovered the ground. We are satisfied, I really think we will continue with him."