The former Manchester City and Stoke City boss looks set to land the Southampton vacancy.
Former Manchester City and Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is expected to be confirmed as Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton successor – two months after he was sacked by the Potters
According to reports, Hughes will return to the club he played for between 1998 and 2000 on a deal until the end of the season initially – although he could stay on if he keeps the Saints up.
But which players could he look to bring with him if he lands the role full time?
Here’s three he knows well…
Joe Hart [Manchester City]
Southampton’s goalkeeper situation could well be addressed this summer, with Fraser Forster out of sorts and Alex McCarthy’s deal up next year. And Hart looks likely to be available, once his West Ham loan spell ends. The pair worked together at Manchester City, although Hughes replaced the England shot-stopper with Shay Given during his first season in charge and loaned him out in his second. The Welshman has said plenty of positive things about him since then, however.
Bruno Martins Indi [Stoke City]
Hughes fought off competition to sign the Dutchman in successive summers, and could try again if Stoke go down this season. Southampton failed to replace Virgil van Dijk – Martins Indi’s international colleague – in January, and should have plenty of money with which to put that right.
Daniel Sturridge [Liverpool]
Another of Hughes’ old Manchester City players, it’s highly unlikely that Sturridge will be staying with either of his permanent or temporary employers [Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion] next season, while Southampton’s strikers have disappointed this season. Hughes is said to have wanted Sturridge at Stoke in January, and may opt to renew his interest if the England striker can prove his fitness.
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