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.

Photo: Action Images

arfurdent added 12:41 - Jun 21 Do we want a Man City castoff. Only won cups and the Premiership, but no JPT experience. seriously though he is not great with youth
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saintsnutcase added 12:43 - Jun 21 Saints, please sign him up before the awful Roy Hodgson becomes available!
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BUCK added 12:53 - Jun 21 guys i was informed pelligrini was our choice 2 weeks ago. i whacked £100 on him at 8/1. soon after he went into odds on, i dont understand why hes gone back out in the betting. but im certain hes our next manager
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Zambucco added 13:19 - Jun 21 Why not? Two of the most successful managers in the last couple of decades were in their 60s, Ferguson, Wenger. Another dearly departed name is Bobby Robson. I think his CV is perfect for us.
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pintsizedsaint added 13:26 - Jun 21 Pellegrini would be a very good appointment. His stature in the game is clear and for Saints to get the ex Real Madrid and Man City manager would be quite something. I too am not bothered about his age - in fact it does seem clear that's to his advantage. He has nothing to prove and may well see Saints as a really attractive longer term project. Doubtful he is going to clash with Les Reed and co if he's seen what the Southampton Way is and he is happy to work with it. Crucially, I think current players (particularly Mane) will be happy and new players will also find this a nice attraction to the club.

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SanMarco added 14:02 - Jun 21 Me too - sign him up before he goes to Valencia or somewhere.
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Santos added 15:47 - Jun 21 Really think it will be a mistake. Nothing personal just a gut feeling, just do not think he is the right fit and not sure the players will respond. I hope I'm completely wrong if he's appointed.
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BaselSaint added 15:49 - Jun 21 I hope this happens - Saints should not only maintain their higher profile but improve on it. We have come so far.
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DPeps added 16:15 - Jun 21 He's already our manager... according to Wikipedia! I think he'd be good fit - look at what he did at Malaga. I would question his hunger, but maybe he'll be keen to prove that he can do it in England
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the_saint added 16:40 - Jun 21 Pellegrini would be a real coup, I heard the Russian national side have offered him big money not sure how true that is. Our board have got it right with last 4 managers Pardew,Adkins,poch and RK so I'm sure they will get it right again. As my dear old mum has always told me good things comes to those who wait
1

BUCK added 19:38 - Jun 21 DPEPS, have you been editing wikipedia lol
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SanMarco added 21:02 - Jun 21 It's still on there - Southampton might be changed to Russia soon of course.
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