SOUTHAMPTON have held talks with former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch over replacing Nathan Jones.
Marsch, who was only sacked at Elland Road a week ago yesterday, is thought to have had positive discussions with the Saints hierarchy over taking the role.
The 49-year-old American kept Leeds in the Premier League last season but finds Southampton in a far more perilous position.
Jones was axed after just eight league games in charge, with one win and seven defeats, leaving the south coast side bottom and four points from safety.
When Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds they were 16th and two points clear of the drop.
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The former RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig coach was sacked with the side 17th in the Premier League after just two wins from their last 17 league games.
Marsch has had admirers on the south coast who feel he will fit better with the style implemented by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, who also worked in the Red Bull system in Germany.
Hasenhuttl's Southampton were at their best when pressing high and playing at high tempo, which fits Marsch's philosophy.
Saints coach Ruben Selles took training yesterday as he prepares the side to visit Chelsea on Saturday.
The Spaniard, who took interim charge of a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday following Hasenhuttl's sacking, is also a contender to get the job on a more permanent basis.
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Selles was appointed in June and is well thought of amongst the squad, a number of whom had lost faith in Jones over the past fortnight.
His sacking was confirmed in a statement which read: "Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Nathan Jones.
"First Team Coaches Chris Cohen and Alan Sheehan have also left the club.
"First Team Lead Coach Rubén Sellés will take charge of training and prepare the team ahead of next weekend’s game against Chelsea."
