Saints turn to Marco

SOUTHAMPTON are ready to turn to Marco Silva to save them from relegation after sacking Mauricio Pellegrino. Manager Pellegrino was axed after only nine months in charge following a dismal run of one Premier League win in 17 matches. Saturday’s 3-0 drubbing at fellow strugglers Newcastle when the Argentinian accused some of his stars of “not trying” was the last straw for the Saints board. Silva was on the club’s shortlist when Pellegrino’s predecessor Claude Puel was sacked last summer and the Portuguese is available after failing to see out the season at Watford.

But the Saints will have to fight off competition from Benfica, who want Silva as their new boss next