Watford reportedly chose not to appoint new Barcelona boss Quique Setien before naming Nigel Pearson as their manager last month.

Former Real Betis head coach Setien signed an 18-month deal with the La Liga leaders on Monday after Ernesto Valverde was sacked by the club.

According to The Evening Standard (via The Sun ), the Spaniard is understood to have been among a number of candidates to interview for the Hornets' managerial job in December.

The vacancy came after former manager Quique Sanchez Flores was dismissed following Watford's 2-1 defeat against Southampton .

However, it is claimed that the 61-year-old was unsuccessful as Nigel Pearson landed the top job and has since overseen a stunning turnaround at Vicarage Road.

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Pearson took charge with Watford bottom of the Premier League, but he has lifted the club out of the relegation zone after taking 13 points from his first six league games.

Meanwhile, Setien was formally unveiled as Barcelona manager on Tuesday and admitted that his appointment was beyond his "wildest dreams."

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"Yesterday, I was walking around my home town with cows around me and now I'm here at Barcelona managing the best players in the world," he told reporters at his first press conference.

"I want to thank this institution for giving me the chance.

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"Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. I have to thank the club. I'm excited about this challenge and this project.

"That is the biggest thing I have to transmit to the players. I have to show the players that and normally it's not very complicated for me to transmit that.

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The 61-year-old, who has also managed Racing Santander and Equatorial Guinea, arrives at the Nou Camp with Barcelona top of La Liga, ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid on goal difference.

He will be in the dugout for the first time when his side host Granada on Sunday.

(Image: Alejandro Garcia/EPA-EFE/REX)

"I thank Ernesto Valverde for leaving me with a side that is top of the league," Setien added.

"My objective is to win everything. Everything you can win, this club has no other path to follow. Year after year, to win as many trophies as possible.

"I think the best way to victory is by playing good football. It doesn't always happen but it's not just about one day, it's about keeping it going."