CLAUDE Puel is now the front-runner for the manager’s post at Saints after Manuel Pellegrini was chalked off the list of contenders.

Puel is not only the bookies’ favourite to become Ronald Koeman’s replacement, but is understood to be a name penned onto Saints’ shortlist of candidates.

Saints have investigated numerous options in their search for a new manager after Koeman left for Everton and it appears, after extensive analysis of the prospective contenders, a conclusion is on the horizon.

Former Manchester City boss Pellegrini was considered, but it was felt that he did not fully fit in with what the club wanted in their next manager.

The same can be said for ex-Roma head Rudi Garcia, while AFC Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe is another that was under consideration.

Puel is understood to be long admired by the St Mary’s hierarchy, having also been linked with the job in 2014 before Koeman took over from Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Nice boss, who led Monaco to the French league title and has also managed Lyon and Lille, is said to have the credentials that Les Reed, who is heading up the recruitment of the new man, and the his Saints colleagues are after.

Puel certainly has a CV that would fit the mould at Saints, with the Frenchman having experience of European football and a history of bringing through youth through to first-team football.

Saints are said to want their new man in place by July 4, when some players will return to pre-season training – that means an appointment is expected at some point next week.

It comes as a frustration to many supporters that the managerial appointment has taken many twists and turns, but the feeling within the club is that they want to explore carefully what possibilities they have before recruiting.

They are keen to ensure that the next manager not only plays the brand of football the club have come to expect, but also embrace the academy and the pathway for young players to break into the first team.