Southampton are ‘set to appoint Jesse Marsch as their new manager after positive talks’

Former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is reportedly closing in on replacing Nathan Jones at Southampton.

The Saints sacked Jones after just 94 days in charge on Sunday morning following their 2-1 defeat at home to Wolves on Saturday despite playing against 10 men for over an hour.

The south coast club are bottom of the table after winning just one of their eight league matches under Jones, and have moved quickly to find his successor.

They held talks with Marsch on Monday, and discussed the length of his potential contract, according to The Athletic.

It is understood that the talks went well, despite initial issues over Marsch’s contract length, and the American now looks set to be handed the task of trying to keep Southampton in the top-flight.

Southampton look set to appoint former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch as their next manager

Southampton want a permanent manager in the dugout ahead of their next league game, an away trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

The Premier League outfit also considered Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for the role, but Marsch appears to have got the nod over the English duo.

Should Marsch take the position, it would be a very swift return to English football for the 49-year-old who was only sacked by Leeds eight days ago.

He kept Leeds in the Premier League on the final day of last term after replacing Marcelo Bielsa in February, but was fired after just under a year in charge with the team only above the bottom three on goal difference.

A daunting challenge awaits at Southampton, who have only won twice in the league since August.

They are four points behind Marsch’s former club Leeds who currently occupy 17th place.

A return to Elland Road could be just around the corner for Marsch as Southampton are set to travel to Leeds on February 25 for a crucial relegation clash.