Southampton consider move for ‘outstanding’ Premier League boss to replace Hasenhuttl

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Southampton fancy Steve Cooper as they consider the Nottingham Forest boss as a potential replacement for under-fire Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Saints were beaten 2-1 at home by Everton on Saturday afternoon, making it three defeats in a row for Hasenhuttl.

Sitting in 16th place in the Premier League table and just one point clear of the relegation zone, Southampton may be in trouble.

The Athletic reported just days ago that Hasenhuttl’s days are numbered at Southampton and the Saints are already identifying replacements.

This weekend’s daunting game against Manchester City may well be Hasenhuttl’s last, with one potential successor named.

Southampton fancy Steve Cooper

The Daily Mail report that Southampton are interested in landing Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

Cooper is under pressure just like Hasenhuttl having claimed just one win so far this season.

Yet Cooper is also having to manage a newly-promoted club who brought in more than 20 new signings over the summer.

That’s a big ask for anybody and Cooper needs results if he is to keep his job at Forest.

The Mail’s report adds that there are ‘tensions’ between Cooper and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis though and an exit wouldn’t surprise anyone.

Southampton would seemingly have an interest in giving Cooper an escape route from the City Ground.

Cooper masterminded a staggering turnaround at Forest last season, taking them from the lower echelons of the Championship to promotion through the playoffs.

The Welshman is a quality coach, especially for young players – something that will appeal to Southampton after their recruitment of Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, Romeo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kochap, Samuel Edozie and Sekou Mara.

Cooper has been hailed as an ‘outstanding’ manager by Stuart Pearce and it seems that his reputation isn’t being dented by Forest’s struggles.

Most can appreciate that this situation is like few we have ever seen in the Premier League and Southampton seemingly still have faith in his ability.