SAINTS EYE VISIONARY
PUEL AXED BY SOUTHAMPTON, AS MAN UTD LAND LINDELOF AND EX-CAT GOES TO DUNDEE
Southampton are looking for a manager with a shared “long-term vision” after sacking Claude Puel.
Frenchman Puel, 55, took over at St Mary’s last summer and guided Saints to the EFL Cup final, losing unluckily to Manchester United, and an eighth-placed Premier League finish.
But the board last night opted to make a change, dismissing the ex-Lyon and Nice boss.
A statement read: “Everyone at Southampton would like to express our thanks to Claude for his hard work and commitment this year.
“The highlight of the season was a memorable day at Wembley in the EFL Cup final, a day our fans will always treasure. We wish Claude well for the future.
“The search for a new management team is under way. We are confident that we will find the right fit in line with the long-term vision of the club.”
Despite the positivity around Southampton’s Wembley appearance in February, they lost 16 league games to slip to eighth after Ronald Koeman had delivered sixth place in 2015-16 before moving to Everton.
Saints also suffered early exits from both the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, recent Alaves coach Mauricio Pellegrino and Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri have been linked with Saints, although the Italian former Leicester manager is expected to take over at Nantes imminently.
Reading’s Jaap Stam is another reported contender after guiding the Royals to the Championship play-off final.
Manchester United last night made Victor Lindelof their first summer signing.
The Sweden defender signed a four-year deal after United paid Benfica 35million euros (£30.75million), although the Portuguese club announced that the fee could increase by a further 10million euros due to add-ons.
United boss Jose Mourinho said: “Victor is a very talented young player, who has a great future ahead of him.”
Lindelof said: “I am thrilled. I’m keen to get started and make my contribution to the team’s efforts to win more trophies.”
Lindelof could be one of three or four high-profile acquisitions at Old Trafford, with Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata a target.
Former Sunderland reserve-team midfielder Roarie Deacon, 25, has joined Scottish Premiership club Dundee on a two-year deal from National League club Sutton United.
He hit 11 goals last season for Sutton, helping them reach the FA Cup fifth round before they were beaten by his former club, Arsenal.
Dundee have also landed Celtic midfielder Scott Allan on a season-long loan.