Our regular columnist Dan takes a look at what he hopes will be the final pair in the list of candidates with a decision imminent.

After Ronald Koeman’s disappointing departure, the final days of Southampton’s search for the manager that will start the season with friendlies in Holland and at home to Athletic Bilbao before the 2016/17 Premier League campaign begins are upon us and a new manager is thought to be appointed in the next few days.

Unless you’re a Saints fan who lives under a rock, you’ll be aware of most of the candidates floating around the papers recently but now that the search is coming to an end it seems like there could be only two candidates left. It may have been just one this morning but now there’s a new name lurking around.

Manuel Pellegrini:

My personal favourite is a very experienced manager having managed in both his native South America (Chile to be exact) and Europe. He’s also the guy who brought Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid! The 62- year old concluded a three-year spell at Man City last season where he won a Premier League title and two League Cups over that period.

Furthermore, his age would hopefully give Saints fans some confidence in him staying as Southampton could potentially be his final job before retirement. We know he’s had the interview and apparently has been offered a three-year contract but this seems to be a very attractive job to managers, especially those who are looking for jobs in England. I hope he comes in and can provide Saints with a season to remember.

Jurgen Klinsmann:

Only in the last hours has this man appeared, as favourite! The German USA National Team manager lost 4-0 this morning to Argentina in the Copa America Semi-Final, a competition where they were hosts. Klinsmann has little club experience with a season at Bayern Munich but was sacked just before the end of that season.

Klinsmann also got Germany to the World Cup Semi-Final in 2006. He has just finished his season and wouldn’t get a decent period of holiday after his team’s impressive Copa America display. This guy would satisfy me if appointed, not excite me like Pellegrini would.

Just to conclude, I hope Les Reed and the men behind the scenes appoint Manuel Pellegrini and do whatever is possible to bring him in. I have no doubt that Pellegrini will be tempted by this job as England is where he wishes to remain. But I also hope the next manager is found in the next few days because then it will probably feel like a weight off Saints’ shoulders and we can fully focus on the season ahead.

Photo: Action Images

wopper added 08:20 - Jun 23 Doubt very much that they care what the fans think.
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SonicBoom added 08:58 - Jun 23 It'll be a concern of we DON'T get Pellegrini now. He's expressed a desire to stay in the PL and we are the highest profile job currently available. If he doesn't come here I would like to know why not....
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pintsizedsaint added 09:35 - Jun 23 By the time this is over, us Saints fans will be experts in world football managers! Pellegrini is still a firm choice, but don't discount Klinsmann - as he is probably closer to Saints profile than MP. He doesn't have a lot of club management experience but his success in the US (a market Saints a very interested in) is immense. Can't also forget the rebuilding job he did with the German team in the early 2000 period: he is widely recognised as being the key reason that the Germans are so dominant in world football now. His footballing pedigree is tip top. He is still an active "tracksuit" manager and brings some fresh tactical thinking and is keen to develop youth. Only Two sticking points: if successful he will attract other clubs - particularly Spurs where he is a legend! Second, he may not be a massive name to attract top players to Saints - although that may not matter.

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BUCK added 10:23 - Jun 23 I disagree with Klinsmann not being a massive name in football. He would attract top names. But still feel pelligrini is first choice. Saints have to do whatever to get this man in charge. What this man done even on a small budget with smaller teams was amazing. We MUST get pelligrini at all costs
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SanMarco added 10:35 - Jun 23 For me Pelligrini vs Klinsmann is no contest. One has won things the other has next to no club experience and would go to Spuds at the drop of a hat.
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BoondockSaint added 13:17 - Jun 23 No contest as far as I am concerned. Klinsmann had a bit of success initially in the US, but more as a result of his enthusiasm than anything else. Since then he has been on a downward slide. He name pops up right after his team gives up without a fight to Argentina? Seems like his agent is setting up an escape route so he can quit before he is sacked.
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the_saint added 16:22 - Jun 23 Big mistake to appoint klinsmann ok was a great player and may attract players (but I think reed and his black box are in charge of buying ) the problem is he is struggling with the USA and has hardly any club experience and would be coming into the best league in the world. To much of a gamble.
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Jesus_02 added 00:25 - Jun 24 I am holfing out for Marcelo Bielsa, I know he has been reported to have gone to Lazio but that was 3 days ago and there has been not official statements
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