Mark Hughes is set to be appointed manager of relegation-threatened Southampton, Press Association Sport understands.

Saints sacked Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday with the side languishing 17th in the Premier League after an embarrassing 3-0 loss at fellow strugglers Newcastle.

The club have acted swiftly to get in a new manager before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Wigan, with ex-Stoke boss and former Saints player Hughes set to be appointed.

Discussions are well under way and Press Association Sport understands the club is hoping to announce the Welshman on Wednesday, with an initial deal until the end of the season likely.

The players are currently off and the plan is for Hughes to take training for the first time on Thursday ahead of the trip to Wigan.

The Welshman has been out of work since January when he was sacked by Stoke after four-and-a-half years, having previously managed Wales, Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham and QPR.

Hughes played for Saints between 1998 and 2000, making 52 appearances in the Premier League.