Outgoing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is in the frame to become the new manager of Southampton.
Current Saints boss Ronald Koeman is on his way to Everton, to replace Roberto Martinez.
Pellegrini’s contract with City ends this month, and he will be replaced at the Etihad Stadium by Pep Guardiola.
The Dutchman has agreed a three-year deal worth £21million with the Merseyside club after Everton agreed to pay Southampton about £3million in compensation package for their highly-rated boss.
Pellegrini, 62, is keen to remain in England, having also received offers from China, and also had his eyes on the manager’s job at Goodison Park.
A key part of Everton’s charm offensive was that owner Farhad Moshiri will also provide the funds for Koeman, currently on holiday in Turkey, to build a team capable of challenging for the top four.
Pellegrini, the first Chilean to manage in the Premier League, leaves City with the fifth highest win percentage in league history. He is a four-time Premier League Manager of the Month. In his three years at the Etihad he led the Blues to one Premier League crown and League Cup glory twice.
Saints have a recent history of priding themselves on their coaching culture, and Pellegrini could carry on the good work of Mauricio Pochettino and Koeman at St Mary’s.
Pochettino guided Saints to their joint-highest ever league finish, along with their highest tally of points.
Koeman built on that form in the 2014-15 season, with the club second in the table at one point.
By Steve Osborne @BlizzardSteve75
