Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch is Southampton's preferred choice to replace Nathan Jones as the club's manager.
Marsch was sacked by Leeds only eight days ago and, while talks have taken place, there is still work to be done before a deal is concluded.
Saints dismissed Jones on Sunday, the day after losing to 10-man Wolves which left them bottom of the Premier League.
They are away at Chelsea on Saturday before playing Leeds a week later.
Southampton's board have had interest from a number of other candidates, including ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard and DC United manager Wayne Rooney, but they see Marsch's style being the best fit to galvanise the club's squad as they bid to avoid relegation.