Stories are emerging in Yorkshire that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could be a surprise appointment to replace Mark Hughes should Saints lose to Watford today.

The news in several areas of the media seems to be coming from ex Saints player David Prutton who has spoken of the situation to the media.

Prutton says that if Hughes gets the chop, Saints will have Bielsa on their shortlist.

“I think if you are struggling a Premier League side that wants four to five months of head down and over the line to maintain your Premier League status then what they’ve seen from Bielsa would make him a cracking shout," Prutton exclusively told Express Sport.

“When you look at top-flight teams that make changes at critical times of the season, not many of them make the switch and then go: ‘brilliant, we’re going to be alright now’.

“Usually it’s the same old faces or someone we’ve never heard of.

“What you’ve got with Bielsa - and the reason Leeds fans got so excited about him - is he’s such a big name.

“But secondly you get - and I mean this to the greatest respect of other Leeds managers who’ve come through the door - not many of them have been lauded by Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola because of where they’ve come from.

“Southampton are a team that’s not just treading water but are dipping below the surface.

“I think because of the short term impact of what Bielsa has been known for in his recent posts, he’s absolutely perfect for a Premier League side that needs to get safe.

“For Leeds fans - and Sky’s Championship coverage - I sincerely hope it won’t happen because what I’ve seen him do and what he’s brought to the league is superb.

“But I think if you are one of those Premier League sides who aren’t too sure about your manager, then you start mentioning Bielsa’s name extremely loudly come Christmas.”

Prutton who played for Leeds after leaving Saints and also Sheffield Wednesday in Yorkshire has strong connections still with both Saints and Leeds although I would doubt that he is speaking with any real evidence that Saints are going to go for Bielsa or even if he would be interested in the job.

However it is an interesting link and Bielsa with extensive experience both as an international manager and at club level in Europe would fit the Saints model more than perhaps Mark Hughes.

Hughes job will be less secure after the departure of Les Reed, whilst Reed was still in the job, he would have had to back Hughes as to sack him would have been an admission of his own failings meaning the departure of three managers in a little under 18 months, but now having gone himself and the club clearly trying to show it's supporters that they are not sitting back and hoping the current situation heals itself have no such loyalty, Reed going shows that the hierarchy were not happy with him and that would suggest not happy with Hughes either.

Photo: Action Images

vanmans added 10:36 - Nov 10 He looks a good manager and has got Leeds playing well. I would like him to become Saints manager but why would he leave a big club like Leeds to come to little old Southampton?
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cocklebreath added 10:37 - Nov 10 So a non story, cool
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kenis added 10:39 - Nov 10 Would love it if this were true, should be first choice imo, this is who MoPo modelled himself on and would be a rollercoaster of high pressing high energy football, but there must have been a reason he turned us down or the club didn’t offer the role to him in the past and can’t see the club spending a few quid to prise him away. We’re more likely to get Carlos Carvalhal, but would prefer him to Moyes or Allardyce.

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SanMarco added 11:27 - Nov 10 It would certainly be good if it had any truth at all in it. Saints would put him on their 'shortlist' would they? You could also put Pep, Emery and the Chelsea guy on too. Leeds are probably just as likely to be playing in the top division next season as we are. Enough said in my view.
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KriSaint added 18:24 - Nov 10 Leeds would NEVER let him go. It is a very stupid rumour which nobody should spent a minute on reflecting on. That said, I´m close to having lost faith in Hughes. If we loose vs Fulham I´d like Hughes to leave after more than 20 PM matches in charge and having won only 3..
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the_saint added 18:58 - Nov 10 Dream on why would he jump ship at Leeds when they will be swapping places with us next season.
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SaintBrock added 18:46 - Nov 11 We could give them Ward Prowse, Stephens & Targett as an incentive.
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SaintBrock added 18:47 - Nov 11 "Leeds are probably just as likely to be playing in the top division next season as we are". MORE likely!
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LoisDeem added 09:35 - Nov 12 I am more concerned that two MORE people with football acumen have been removed from what always was a football club. It would appear that a large number of the players understandably share those concerns. The jury is out on whether the manager's team has finally been galvanised, but despite a number of changes, it's one of the players to apparently benefit from Reed's removal (Maya) that's been noticeably vociferous on this subject. The club's 'think tank' with it's satellites, accolytes and parasites, needs to kick in "sockerr" style -and quickly. Back up plan?

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