Southampton’s hunt for a new manager is set to continue after talks over a move for Jesse Marsch has broken down at the eleventh hour over the length of his proposed contract at St Mary’s.
The Saints parted ways with divisive manager Nathan Jones on Sunday following a three month spell in charge, which had yielded just one Premier League win (against Everton), and had seen them remain rooted to the bottom of the top-flight, four points behind Leeds United and safety.
And it was reported on Tuesday that Marsch was on the verge of taking the Southampton hotseat after positive talks had taken place, despite the USA manager having only been let go by fellow relegation rivals Leeds United a week before, with the Athletic reporting that “the club have considered it crucial to act fast and decisively in their search, and want a new manager installed before their next match against Chelsea on February 18″.
However, that will no longer happen. Multiple reports have since confirmed that the talks have broken down over the length of contract on offer, with Marsch not thought to be keen on the initial six month deal, that had an option to extend further in the summer, and instead preferring a longer deal at St Mary’s.
As a result, it is added that ‘Ruben Selles is set to take the team this weekend’, suggesting that there were no contingencies in place for a deal to break down despite the desire to have a new boss in the hotseat by the weekend.
Selles is also the new favourite with the bookies to take the job on full time, though both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard also remain among the front runners.
