Gianfranco Zola resigned as Watford boss in December 2013. Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Hull City are close to naming Gianfranco Zola as their new manager, sources close to the Italian have told ESPN FC.

Zola, 50, has been out of work since leaving Qatari side Al-Arabi earlier this year but is now being considered for a return to the Premier League after the FA of Wales rejected an approach from Hull to talk to Chris Coleman.

The Chelsea legend has had two previous managerial spells in English football, leading West Ham to ninth and 17th in the Premier League and Watford to third in the Championship.

Hull are now expected to hold further talks with Zola and hope to conclude a deal for the Italian by the end of Wednesday as they prepare to start the new season against reigning champions Leicester City on Aug. 13.

Roberto Martinez, Mike Phelan and Ryan Giggs have also been linked with the job since Steve Bruce's resignation on July 22.