The Welshman is under mounting pressure after just one league win all season, no victories in their last seven, culminating in a 6-1 thrashing at Manchester City on Sunday – and just one goal in open play in the Premier League since September 17.

Fans are unhappy at the brand of football Hughes’ team have been playing, and the Saints board are understood to be ready to act if there is anything less than a win on Saturday.

Top of the list of potential replacements are Sam Allardyce and David Moyes while a popular choice among the fans is former Saints manager Gordon Strachan.

Leonardo Jardim, the former Monaco coach, had been high on the Southampton board’s wish list.