Manuel Pellegrini seems to be the club's favourite to take over from Ronald Koeman judging by the comments in the press suggesting he is about to engage in further talks.
Manuel Pellegrini's name seems to be being pushed to the fore in the race for the Saints manager's job, despite the fact that the bookies still have Claude Puel as favourite by a hairs width.
Key piece pushing Pellegrini today is via the Daily Echo who will be as near to the club as any media outlet and their article this morning is part CV for the ex Manchester City boss and part PR spin as to why it would be a good appointment for Saints.
They tackle the key areas that Saints fans would be questioning his suitability for the job.
1. Age - The Echo point out that although at 62 he is a little older than the club's ideal age profile, conversely that could be a good factor in that as he has been there and done it over the past few years with Manchester City and Real Madrid to name but two, he will be less likely to use Saints as a stepping stone.
That being the case he is likely to view Saints as a longer term project, possibly his last.
2. Stature. - The Echo point out that this is the man who has signed Cristiano Renaldo and Kaka, not to mention a plethora of big names at Manchester City and handled them as well, he has pulling power in the game and this will help Saints not only keep the players they have but attract quality new signings.
3. Style of play - He is known for his attacking football and this will suit Saints.
4. Experience- He has immense experience both in the Premier League for Manchester City, but in European competition as well, whilst some would say he is a manager who needs to spend money, others would point to his spells at Villareal and Malaga in Spain where at both clubs he achieved exactly what Saints are looking to be the norm, ie high placed League finishes and European football.
5. Statement of intent _ The Echo feel that this would be a real statement of intent, they say.
Pellegrini would be a popular appointment with the fans, as it is a signal of intent and ambition.
"The stability he could bring, along with everything that a name and reputation such as his can boast, must be an attractive prospect for Les Reed and the board.
Though they tend to prefer a younger, more go ahead tracksuit type coach, they surely will be tempted.
It’s not often a manager of Pellegrini’s calibre is available and wants the job at the time you are looking for someone. "
So the big question Saints fans must now ask is whether this is the Daily Echo smoothing the waters for the club ahead of an imminent appointment and that they are being briefed by the club, or whether this is just the Daily Echo's own opinion on whom should be appointed.
The lkelihood is it is a bit of both.