Hughes lined up to rescue sliding Saints

MARK HUGHES is set to become the new manager of Southampton and is poised to be in charge for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final away at Wigan Athletic.

Southampton moved quickly to replace Mauricio Pellegrino, who was sacked on Monday, with former Blackburn and Manchester City boss Hughes the leading candidate.

Hughes is available to start work immediately after being sacked by Stoke in January.

The 54- year- old, who made 61 appearances for Southampton, is expected to be joined by his backroom team of Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki on the south coast.

Southampton hover just a point above the Premier League drop zone with eight matches remaining. Their next league match is at relegationthreatened West Ham on March 31.

Pellegrino, 46, acknowledged last night that Southampton had little choice but to sack him in their bid to preserve their top-flight status.

The Argentine said in a letter on Southampton’s website: ‘I feel sorry to leave the club in this situation. But when you don’t get results I understand the decision the club have to take.

‘From the beginning I tried to do my best, I tried to give back to the club and represent the club with pride.

‘Some moments we managed this, some moments we couldn’t, but we have been living a difficult season for many reasons.

‘I wish everyone all the best for the rest of the season, I have enjoyed an amazing experience and I know that Southampton has everything required to move forward.’