SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly hoping to snatch a manager of one of their Premier League rivals to replace Nathan Jones.
Jones, 49, was dismissed by the Saints on Sunday morning after just 14 games in charge.
SunSport revealed last week that the former Luton manager had lost the faith of many members of his squad.
This came shortly after he infuriated his players by saying they were part of the reason he did not change his preferred playing style.
With Southampton currently rock bottom of the Premier League, club chiefs are eager to introduce a new manager as soon as possible.
We reported yesterday how one report claimed that Jesse Marsch, who was axed by relegation rivals Leeds United last week, was on the shortlist.
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However, now the Daily Mail claims Southampton have a “strong interest” in Nottingham Forest’s Steve Cooper.
The 43-year-old led England Under-17s to World Cup glory back in 2017.
He then took charge of Swansea in 2019 and led them to two consecutive Championship play-off finishes.
Cooper left the Welsh side after two years but returned to the dug-out to take charge of Forest, who were bottom of the Championship when he arrived, in September 2021.
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But he masterminded a remarkable revival that led to them winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
And despite a sticky start to life in the top-flight after a remarkable summer signing spree, he has now steadied the ship with the club sitting 14th and six points above the drop zone.
The Welshman penned a new long-term deal at the City Ground earlier this season that runs until 2025.
However, according to this fresh update, that has not deterred the Saints.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
