Southampton sound out several managers as search goes on

Interim head coach Simon Rusk is primed and ready to take the side for Sunday's Premier League trip to Fulham if he is required.

The 43 year old oversaw Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, in which Saints pushed the Merseyside outfit to the end.

Sport Republic, Southampton's owners, sacked Martin in the wake of last weekend's 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur with the club bottom of the league.

They have now sounded out several potential options to replace the 38 year old, as the club looks to appoint a long-term permanent successor. 

Saints leadership have started interviews for those with which they have permission to speak, while some reported targets are contracted to other clubs.

Saints CEO Phil Parsons and director of football operations Mark Bitcon (Image: Stuart Martin)

A club source suggested confirmation of an appointment is not yet imminent, although the process is being done with discretion. 

Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Rohl started as a strong favourite while West Brom's Carlos Corberan emerged as a front-runner on Tuesday.

If Saints have been permitted to speak to either, it has yet to be revealed. Former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand is another name strongly linked.

The 52 year old is a free agent and therefore Saints are allowed to speak to him, while they are thought to have considered a larger number of targets.

Other options could emerge in the coming days, as Sport Republic look to close in on their fourth managerial appointment in three seasons.

Co-founders Rasmus Ankersen and Henrik Kraft were pictured in attendance during Southampton's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.

They sat alongside CEO Phil Parsons and director of football operations Mark Bitcon in the director's box, will all four playing a role in the search.