Claude Puel's days as Southampton boss appear to be numbered

Southampton are considering replacements for manager Claude Puel after director football Les Reed concluded his end-of-season review for chairman Ralph Krueger.

The Frenchman's future hangs in the balance while he remains on holiday following an inconsistent first campaign at the helm.

After the club finished eighth and were runners-up in the EFL Cup final, chairman Krueger suggested that a decision over the 55-year-old's position at St Mary's Stadium was to be made in May.

Puel wants to continue working at Southampton next season

Puel, who has been backed by Chelsea's Eden Hazard as one of the world's top coaches, has stated he expects to remain in charge next season but would not comment on persistent reports he could be replaced as the season drew to a close.

The Independent reported that Southampton discussed Marco Silva as a potential successor, but he has taken over at Watford.

Puel, who was boss at Nice until he moved to the south coast last summer, won only 12 of his 38 Premier League games last season and they finished only eight points above 17th.

Southampton reported Liverpool to the Premier League on Tuesday over an alleged illegal approach to their defender Virgil van Dijk.