HUGHES IN TALKS OVER LONG-TERM CONTRACT
MARK HUGHES has had talks about staying at Southampton for the long term. Hughes is contracted until the end of this season after being hired to try to keep Saints in the Premier League. Tuesday night’s victory at fellow strugglers Swansea means Southampton are virtually safe ahead of the final day on Sunday. However, it is understood that Hughes met members of the Southampton hierarchy last week and indicated he would like to talk formally about staying even if the club were to go down. The Welshman and his key staff arrived on the South Coast with an open mind after being appointed almost two months ago. Since then the 54-year-old has been living in a hotel in the city as he concentrates on turning the club around. Even before the big win in Wales, Hughes, a former Southampton striker, had decided he was impressed with the structure and potential of the club and would be prepared to talk about staying. He will insist on full-time deals for coaches Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, and he also wants a budget for new players to ensure the club do not end up fighting against relegation again next season. Southampton beat Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday thanks to a goal from Manolo Gabbiadini. They face Manchester City on Sunday knowing only a goal-difference swing of 10 between them and Swansea would send them down.