Cruel for Puel as Southampton could discard manager for Silva

CLAUDE PUEL knows he is at risk of becoming the latest Premier League managerial casualty today, with Marco Silva top of Southampton’s shortlist to replace him.

Southampton are preparing to sack Puel (right) less than 12 months into a three-year contract, despite the Frenchman having led them to a Wembley final.

Puel’s future will be decided at a review meeting next week. ‘It is not in my mind because I’m a professional,’ he said. ‘It’s not time for me or the players to think about this. For me the season is not finished. ‘I accept what can happen. When a new manager comes to train and try to put in place a project it’s not easy but its very interesting.’ Victory at home to Stoke would guarantee Southampton a top-eight finish to go along with their EFL Cup final birth. But Puel has struggled to win over fans. Puel said: ‘All the big teams finish in the first seven places. It would be a good thing for Southampton to finish eighth.’

Silva is the man Saints’ bosses want to replace Puel despite his failing to keep Hull in the Premier League.

The 39-year-old has declared his intention to try and stay in the top flight after impressing in five months at Hull where he almost pulled off escape from relegation.

Whoever is managing Southampton, their summer task will be trying to persuade stars like Virgil van Dijk, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu to stay.