DEPARTING RC Lens manager Will Still is a leading candidate to become new Saints boss as they look to wrap up their search swiftly.

Still, 32, led Lens to eighth place in the French top division this season, just five points off miraculously qualifying for European competition.

The Belgium-born Englishman did so despite pocketing a net £70million from transfers, losing his first choice goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.

It follows Still's two seasons at fellow Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, where they finished 11th in his first campaign and improved to ninth in his second.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl had long been the favourite to take over at St Mary's but has made plenty clear his higher intentions.

The German has delivered multiple interviews in his home country, stating his ambition to manage in the Premier League or Bundesliga next season.

Other names remain in the running for Saints, but Still, returning to England, has emerged on top after a busy Sunday full of speculation.

What have been the rumours?

The Independent first reported early on Sunday morning that Saints have approached Still and are 'confident' that a deal can be struck.

Other publications, TalkSPORT and The Guardian, reiterated Southampton's approach to Still, who is returning to England for personal reasons.

However, The Guardian added that Tom Cleverley, 35, who was inexplicably sacked by Watford this month, has been interviewed for the job.

They said he made 'a good impression' during talks and that sources close to Cleverley believe he has a strong chance of being appointed.

The Athletic then later confirmed that Rohl is considering several options in front of him, including interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga. 

But with all of this in mind, the overwhelming suggestion in the media placed Still as Southampton's current top managerial target.

Tom Cleverley reportedly remains in the Saints runningTom Cleverley reportedly remains in the Saints running (Image: PA)

What is likely to happen?

Saints would like to give fans their new direction by the end of the week and could even host their new manager in the stands at St Mary's on Sunday.

Saints host Arsenal in their final Premier League match and hope to have their prospective new boss watching on from the padded seats.

However, this is ultimately time dependant and Saints technical director Johannes Spors, who is leading the manager search, will not rush proceedings.

There are still details to discuss with Lens over the release of Still, despite his announcing that he will be leaving Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Saints wanted Rohl in December and will have no doubt revisited their interest this summer but that does not mean the interest is reciprocated.

Does the German read the news and feel spooked into taking the Saints job for fear of missing out? While possible, it seems rather fanciful. 

The appointment of Still is by no means done and nor is it certain to happen, but, as reported, the young boss is now a leading contender.

Is Danny Rohl out of the running altogether yet?Is Danny Rohl out of the running altogether yet? (Image: PA)

Latest bookies' odds

Will Still - 8/13.

Tom Cleverley - 4/1.

Danny Rohl - 17/2.

Gary O'Neil - 16/1.

Liam Manning - 16/1.

Rob Edwards - 20/1.

Liam Rosenior - 20/1.

Kasper Hjulmand - 22/1.

David Wagner - 25/1.

Steve Cooper - 33/1.

Sean Dyche - 33/1.

Odds accurate at time of writing on Betfair.