Next Southampton manager: West Brom boss 'keen' on Premier League job amid 'talks' with Sheffield Wednesday manager

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan is reportedly “keen” to manage Premier League strugglers Southampton after being sounded out as a “top candidate” for the position.

The Saints sacked Russell Martin on Sunday night after a 5-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium. It followed a stretch of six games without a win, with five losses in that run. Sunday’s defeat against Spurs was the second straight home game that the Saints had conceded five goals after being beaten 5-1 by Chelsea earlier this month.

Football Insider has reported that Corberan is one of the contenders for the vacancy while claiming the ex-Leeds United and Huddersfield Town man would be open to leaving the Hawthorns to take up the position. The Spaniard first moved to England in 2017 to become manager of Leeds United’s Under-23s side. He was an assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road before moving to Huddersfield. He took the Terriers to the Championship play-off final, which they lost to Nottingham Forest. He left his position with the West Yorkshire club and then joined Olympiacos but was sacked after a short stint at the Greek club.

He joined the Baggies in October 2022 and won 10 of his first 13 league games which earned him a contract extension until 2027, which was partly agreed amid speculation linking him with a return to Leeds after Jesse Marsch had been sacked by the Elland Road club. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is another Championship coach linked with the vacancy at St Mary’s. Talks between the German and Southampton are reportedly ongoing. That is according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg who claims discussions are being held. The Sheffield Star has reported that no official approach has been made for Rohl, with the Owls boss taking training as usual on Tuesday.

Confirming their decision to sack Martin, a Southampton statement on Sunday night read: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin. Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world. However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May. Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.”