Report: Southampton will have 49-year-old hired in time for Liverpool clash on Saturday

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Southampton appear to be closing in on Nathan Jones as the hunt to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl draws to a close.

That is according to talkSPORT, who believe the Saints are confident of officially hiring the 49-year-old at some point today.

Southampton close in on Nathan Jones

Well, Southampton may only find themselves being managerless for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

TalkSPORT believe Jones will definitely be in charge of the Saints for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield, as Southampton look to bounce back from Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle at St Mary’s.

Talk about throwing him in at the deep end.

Of course, Liverpool have not been their usual formidable selves this term, with the Reds currently languishing in eight place in the Premier League.

However, there are few harder places for Jones to make his Premier League debut as a manager than Anfield.

According to Sky Sports, the Luton Town boss has travelled to the south coast today to hold talks with Southampton, who he described as a “wonderful” football club when quizzed on the matter.

As quoted by Sky Sports, Jones said: “I’ve been given permission. I’ll go and speak to them because it’s a wonderful Premier League club.”

Jones did add that he already finds life at Luton Town “wonderful” as Southampton circle, and his status as an icon at the Championship outfit means anything could still happen – after all, Michael Beale has already rejected Wolves in favour of staying at QPR this season.

Nevertheless, as far as talkSPORT are concerned, it is a done deal, and Jones will be roaming the touchline in Southampton gear at Anfield this Saturday.

Nathan Jones could thrive at Southampton

Southampton fans will understandably feel as though their side are taking a risk here, but it could pay off tremendously.

Jones guided Luton Town to the Championship play-offs last season, and has earned his corn by working his way through the ranks to finally get a shot in the top-flight.

With a group of talented, impressionable youngsters ready to learn such as Armel Bella-Kotchap, Romeo Lavia and Samuel Edozie, Jones could definitely do something special at St Mary’s.