SOUTHAMPTON are searching for their third new manager of the season following the sacking of Nathan Jones.
The 49-year-old Welshman survived just three months in the position before being given the boot by Saints bosses on Sunday.
It means the south-coast outfit are looking for another new head coach – 14 games after Jones’ predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl was axed.
A number of candidates have been mooted as possible options including Jesse Marsch, Steven Gerrard, or even Hasenhuttl once more.
But a shock name that has been thrown into the hat is DC United boss and record England scorer Wayne Rooney.
The Man Utd legend, 37, is reportedly “interested” in the vacancy… and his arrival could spell a host of changes in the Southampton team.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Rooney could bring a couple of his trusted lieutenants back to England with him.
Among them is former Man Utd talent Ravel Morrison – who has played under Rooney at both Derby and DC United.
Ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is also plying his trade at DC United but could be open to a European return.
Rooney could also call on his Man Utd connections to bring in other reinforcements.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
And one man who is seeking first-team football is full-back Brandon Williams – who has played just 95 minutes of football this season.
The Red Devils were prepared to send him on loan to Norwich in the 2021/22 campaign and may be willing to do the same again in the coming months.
Saints loanee Nathan Tella, who has scored 14 goals for Burnley this season, could also return to the fray.
But all of these possible signings and loan players will be looking at the result of Southampton’s relegation fight.
They sit bottom of the table with just four wins from 22 games, a run which has left them four points adrift of safety.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk