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Report: Garry Monk favourite to replace Claude Puel at Southampton

General view inside the stadium before the match - St Mary's Southampton (Reuters)
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The former Southampton defender resigned as Leeds United head coach last month.

Leeds manager Gary Monk applauds the fans after the gameFormer Leeds United head coach Garry Monk

Garry Monk could make an emotional return to Southampton this summer, the Mirror reports.

The former Leeds United head coach, who quit Elland Road at the end of last month, spent eight years as a Saints player.

And he is said to be the early favourite to replace Claude Puel at St Mary’s, with Southampton in talks to terminate the French boss’ contract.

Southampton manager Claude PuelSouthampton manager Claude Puel

Monk has some Premier League managerial experience from his time at Swansea City, and unexpectedly led Leeds to seventh in the Championship last season.

The 38-year-old’s appointment could see trusted staff members Pep Clotet and James Beattie – the legendary ex-Southampton striker – follow him south, although the Spaniard remains among the bookies’ favourites to replace Monk at Elland Road.

Swansea City manager Garry Monk and first team coach James BeattieFormer Swansea City manager Garry Monk [centre] with first team coach James Beattie [third right]

Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has been strongly linked with a move to Southampton in recent months, and it is likely that those rumours will resurface if Monk returns.

Southampton are also said to be keen on Thomas Tuchel, the recently departed Borussia Dortmund boss.

Would the former Leeds boss be a good appointment for Southampton?

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas TuchelFormer Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel