Southampton are reportedly closing in on Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Southampton are set to move swiftly for a new manager, just around 24 hours after sacking Mark Hughes, with Ralph Hasenhuttl all set for a move to the South Coast.
Sky Sports report that Hasenhuttl has agreed a deal to become Southampton’s new manager, representing an exciting move for the Saints after the somewhat stifling Hughes era.
The Austrian not only impressed in charge of RB Leipzig, leading them to second place in the Bundesliga, but also with Unterhaching, Aalen and Ingolstadt.
51-year-old Hasenhuttl will now head to St. Mary’s Stadium, with the new boss likely to push a much more exciting brand of football – and with the January transfer window around the corner, here are three RB Leipzig players Hasenhuttl could target…
Willi Orban
Gone are the days of Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk at centre back. Southampton’s centre back options are hugely uninspiring, even after spending on Wesley Hoedt and Jannik Vestergaard, whilst Maya Yoshida can be upgraded on. Hungarian international Orban, 26, was a key part of Hasenhuttl’s defence, and may just fit the bill as a player to bolster Southampton’s defensive options.
Diego Demme
Naby Keita may have got his big-money move to Liverpool, but the heartbeat of Hasenhuttl’s midfield was actually Demme. The diminutive 27-year-old starred with his work rate and passing ability in the heart of the Leipzig midfield, and if Hasenhuttl isn’t convinced that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can fulfill that role, then it would be little surprise to see Demme targeted.
Yussuf Poulsen
One thing Southampton lack is a forward with the athletic presence of Dane Poulsen, as he had the height, strength and pace to play either out wide or up front, causing mayhem for defenders whilst opening up space for Timo Werner even if some players may be more technically gifted. Shane Long is the most suitable but isn’t good enough for the Premier League anymore and Michael Obafemi is still a little young, meaning Poulsen could be a smart target for the Saints.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
