Southampton manager update as 41-year-old replaces Sheffield Wednesday boss as new favourite

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan is a 'top contender' for the vacant Southampton job, according to a report.

Football Insider is reporting that the Spaniard is the new favourite for the gig at St Mary's Stadium following boardroom talks. It is claimed by Football Insider that Corberan is 'keen to quit' the Baggies, however he has always given his stressed his commitment to West Brom when being linked to jobs elsewhere.

Earlier this month, he was linked with the job at West Midlands rivals Wolves, whilst the Leicester City job also became available again. Corberan told the Express and Star: “I can only say how focused I am at West Bromwich, how proud I feel to be the coach of this amazing club.

"I understand that football always has speculation around, but I didn’t even know that Leicester’s coach was sacked, for example, until last night (Monday). There is so much speculation that can appear out of my control."

The 41-year-old's contract the Hawthorns runs until the summer of 2027 after penning a contract extension in February 2023. Southampton plan to make a swift appointment after sacking Russell Martin, and are keen to get someone in before their next game, which is a trip to Fulham on Sunday, December 22.

Southampton find themselves bottom of the league with just five points this term. Like in the Championship, a busy period awaits with games against West Ham and Crystal Palace to come over Christmas. West Brom have a trip to Derby County on Boxing Day, as well as an away match against Sheffield United, before they start the New Year with a home match against Preston North End.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl emerged as the initial favourite but those links have been played down with Sky Sports saying no official formal approach has been made. Ben Jacobs, the Senior Football Correspondent for Give Me Sport, says that Rohl was explored but a deal is complicated by compensation, and they aren't expected to proceed with a move.

There is reportedly a buyout clause in Carlos Corberan's contract, and that is close to £4m. Previous reports say that the release clause was around £2m, but it's believed to be considerably higher than that.