SOUTHAMPTON are close to appointing Croatian Ivan Juric as their new manager.
The Saints sacked Russell Martin on Sunday night and have been quickly interviewing candidates this week.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan were both considered, as well as ex-Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand.
However, owners Sport Republic have opted for hard taskmaster Juric, the former Torino and Roma boss.
Juric, 49, was sacked by Roma after less than two months this season, being replaced by Claudio Ranieri.
The prospect of another short term stint was discussed with Southampton.
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Juric has since agreed an 18-month contract, with a summer break clause, and a two-year option to extend that will be triggered should Saints stay up.
Southampton are rock bottom of the Premier League on a paltry five points and want the flexibility to make a more long term decision on a manager in the summer.
Juric, a former Croatia international, is known for driving a hard line on fitness with his players while his playing style is less reliant on the playing out from the back preferred by Martin.
Saints Under-21 assistant Simon Rusk took charge of their narrow Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.
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But Juric could potentially be in the dugout for Sunday’s trip to Fulham, depending on his visa.
This is not the first time that Juric has been strongly considered for the post.
In December 2022, while manager of Torino, he was nearly chosen to be Ralph Hasenhuttl’s successor.
Instead, Saints chiefs opted for Nathan Jones.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
