Report explains why Southampton could swap Mark Hughes for David Wagner

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Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner is reportedly being eyed by Premier League rivals Southampton, despite the Saints appointing Mark Hughes.

Southampton only appointed Mark Hughes as their new manager two weeks ago but they have already been linked with possible replacements for the Welshman.

The Sun stated at the weekend that the Saints are keen on appointing David Wagner of Huddersfield Town at the end of this season, when 54-year-old Hughes’ contract is due to expire.

And the same publication (27 March, page 55) is now seeking to clarify the situation.

The Sun states that Southampton are indeed interested in Wagner, but will only make a move to lure the German to the south coast if Hughes fails to keep them in the Premier League between now and May.

So suddenly the links with the charismatic Wagner make sense. After all, it was he who took Huddersfield to the top flight for the first time since 1972 last season, beating Reading in the play-off final to cap a wonderful underdog story.

Wagner has experience in his short career in England of inspiring a promotion challenge and Southampton would be hoping he could instil their squad with the desire and character required should the worst case scenario occur and the Saints drop into the Championship.

Hughes, however, has spent his entire managerial career in the Premier League, barring that five-year stint in charge of Wales between 1999 and 2004.

So, if relegation does become a reality, Southampton could hardly be blamed if they replace him with a man who already has one promotion on his CV.