Southampton will speak with former Alaves coach Mauricio Pellegrino imminently and may appoint him as the club's new manager by the end of this week, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC.
Saints are looking for a new head coach after sacking Claude Puel earlier this month, and Pellegrino viewed as a leading contender as he ticks many of the boxes laid out by the club as they look to appoint a candidate who will fill the role for an extended period.
Southampton's Head of Football Development Les Reed and his technical staff are keen to identify a coach with experience of top-level football, a clear philosophy on the game and a desire to embark on a long-term project to try and take their club into the top six of the Premier League on a regular basis.