Swansea City manager Francesco Guidolin is seen during their EFL Cup Third Round match against Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, September 21, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Struggling Swansea City sacked Italian Francesco Guidolin on Monday and appointed Bob Bradley as the first American to manage a Premier League club.

Former Udinese coach Guidolin took over in January following the dismissal of Garry Monk and kept the Welsh club clear of relegation, but they have slumped to fourth from bottom after seven games of the new campaign.

Speculation had been growing about Guidolin's future and Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool was their third in a row and fifth league loss of the season.

"We can confirm the club has parted company with Francesco Guidolin, who will be replaced by Bob Bradley," the club said on Twitter.

Bradley, 58, was the United States national team coach from 2006-11, having previously managed Chicago Fire and MetroStars.

He also had a spell as Egypt's national coach and joins Swansea from French club Le Havre.