Villarreal coach Preciado dies of heart attack

Manuel Preciado, who was due to be unveiled as the new coach of Villarreal on Friday, has died of a heart attack, the Spanish club have confirmed.

Villarreal announced on Wednesday they had reached an agreement with Preciado to take charge of the club next season, with the 54-year-old set to be presented to the media tomorrow.

However, Villarreal said in a statement on Thursday morning: "The coach Manuel Preciado died overnight in Valencia as a result of a heart attack."

The statement continued: "The Cantabrian, who had been chosen by Villarreal to lead next season's project, was 54 years old.

"Villarreal want to express their deepest sorrow at the sad loss and want to offer their condolences to his family and all his relatives."