Southampton have recognized Lens supervisor Will Nonetheless as their main candidate for the vacant place at St Mary’s Stadium.
The 32-year-old, born in Belgium to English dad and mom, introduced final weekend he’s leaving French aspect Lens to maneuver again to the UK.
The transfer is difficult by negotiations that have to happen to free Nonetheless from his contract on the Ligue 1 membership, which runs till 2027, as Lens may very well be due compensation.
In March, his companion Emma Saunders, a presenter on Sky Sports activities who beforehand labored for BBC Sport, mentioned she was recovering from encephalitis, an an infection of the mind.
“For a number of causes, the primary motive behind my choice is that I want to return residence,” Nonetheless instructed reporters on Saturday.
Nonetheless can be a everlasting alternative for Ivan Juric, who was sacked in April after the membership had been relegated from the Premier League with a document seven video games left to play.
The Englishman constructed his soccer profession in Belgium at Lierse and Beershot earlier than transferring to France, the place he grew to become the youngest coach in Europe’s high 5 leagues when he was appointed by Reims, aged 30, in October 2022.
He joined Lens on a three-year deal in June and led them to an eighth-place end in Ligue 1. His brothers Nicolas and Edward, who’re assistants at Lens.
Lens have but to substantiate Nonetheless’s departure. BBC Sport has contacted the membership for remark.
Southampton had been beforehand tipped with a transfer for Sheffield Wednesday supervisor Danny Rohl however the compensation bundle to maneuver to a membership inside the identical division is considered too costly.
