Southampton are set to name former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch as their replacement for Nathan Jones, according to The Athletic.
Southampton have been on the lookout for a new manager since sacking Jones on Sunday, February 12. The club were left with no choice but to pull the plug on the Welshman after he failed to steer them off the relegation zone.
The Saints brought Jones in as a replacement for Ralph Hasenhuttl in November and hoped their decision to bet on him would pay off. However, the former Luton Town boss managed to lead the club to just one Premier League win during his brief stint.
Southampton tasked first team lead coach Ruben Selles with preparing the team for their weekend’s trip to Chelsea after parting ways with Jones. Meanwhile, they also began the search for a new manager.
It was claimed at the weekend that former Leeds boss Marsch has emerged as a candidate to take the reins at St. Mary’s. It appears talks between the two parties have since progressed in the right direction.
According to the aforementioned source, the Hampshire-based club held talks with Marsch over a deal on Monday, February 13. Although the length of the contract was a hurdle, the negotiation is said to have gone well.
Now, Southampton, who sit bottom of the league table, look set to appoint the American tactician as their new manager. They are keen to fill the vacancy before their match against Chelsea this weekend.
Southampton managerial target Marsch has not left England since being sacked by Leeds
Marsch was notably in charge of the Saints’ league rivals Leeds for a year before being sacked earlier this month. He, though, could find himself with a new job just days after parting ways with the Elland Road outfit.
As per the report, the 49-year-old has not left England since being sacked by the Yorkshire-based club. He has been on Southampton’s radar for a while now, with the club’s interested in him even before Sport Republic’s arrival last year.
Marsch was in charge of New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig before joining Leeds. His experience working with the Red Bull clubs reportedly appeals to the St. Mary’s outfit.
While nothing is finalised yet, it looks increasingly likely that Marsch will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 18. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were also considered for the vacant managerial role at the club.