Frank de Boer new favourite to be named Southampton manager
Thursday 15 June 2017 14:53, UK
Frank de Boer is the new favourite with Sky Bet to replace Claude Puel as manager of Southampton.
Thomas Tuchel had initially been the front runner to replace Puel at St Mary's, only to then rule himself out of the running for the vacant position on Thursday, according to Sky sources.
We understand the former Borussia Dortmund head coach has not ruled out a move to the Premier League, though, but the role at Saints does not appeal to him.
As a result, De Boer is now the favourite to succeed Puel, who was sacked by Southampton on Wednesday night, while ex-Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino can be backed at 6/1.
Ryan Giggs is on offer at 7/1 to take his first full-time managerial role in charge of Southampton, and Reading manager Jaap Stam is another contender at 10/1.
Southampton manager contenders
FRANK DE BOER
De Boer was one of the game's hottest managerial properties when he left Ajax to take over at Inter Milan in August last year, but a series of disappointing performances saw him dismissed in November.
MAURICIO PELLEGRINO
Seemingly this year's most-linked manager, Pellegrino is currently favourite to take over at Crystal Palace. But the Argentinian, who left Alaves last month, could easily have his head turned by the experience that his compatriot Mauricio Pochettino had at St Mary's.
RYAN GIGGS
The Manchester United legend has been linked with Swansea, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest since leaving his coaching role at Old Trafford last summer. Giggs has still to take his first full-time managerial role.
JAAP STAM
The former Manchester United defender earned plaudits for the way he lifted Reading to the brink of the Premier League last season. After coming up short on penalties in the Championship play-off final, Stam may fancy a new challenge, and would not have to uproot far to head to Saints.
THOMAS TUCHEL
Initially installed as the early favourite, Tuchel is looking for a new job after leaving Dortmund under a cloud last month. However, despite ruling himself out of the running for the role, the German is still 12/1 to replace Puel on the south coast this summer.
Odds correct at 2pm BST on 15/06/17
