FORMER Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been linked to the vacant Everton job this month, after Frank Lampard was sacked.

The Chelsea legend arrived as boss at Goodison Park in January last year but was relieved from his duties 10 days after a 2-1 home defeat to Saints.

The Toffees, who have been battling supporter protests, were defeated comfortably by fellow Premier League strugglers West Ham to put the final nail in the coffin.

Hasenhuttl, who was sacked by Saints in November following a run of just four Premier League wins since March, was linked with the Rangers job later that month.

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The Scottish side went on to appoint QPR manager Michael Beale and Hasenhuttl’s name has now cropped up for another big vacancy.  

Daily Echo: Ralph Hasenhuttl file photo

The Telegraph report the Austrian, who managed Saints between December 2018-November 2022 has long-term admirers in Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and the board.

The likes of former Burnley manager Sean Dyche and ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa are thought to be the most likely candidates to replace Lampard.

Other names touted include the likes of Carlos Corberan, now manager of West Bromwich Albion after a successful spell with Huddersfield Town.

Hasenhuttl had previously declared his intention to retire from football management at the end of his last Saints contract, which was due to run until summer 2024.

The former RB Leipzig man has not made any public statement since his sacking at St Mary’s – either regarding his job-loss or his future plans.

After a stuttering start last season a winter revival saw Saints rise to as high as ninth in February, but they lost nine and won just one of their final 12 matches to slump to 15th.

The club responded by reshuffling Hasenhuttl's coaching team over the summer, with Kelvin Davis, Dave Watson and Craig Fleming all leaving St Mary's.

They also brought in numerous players, including goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, striker Sekou Mara, midfielder Joe Aribo and defenders Armel Bella-Kotchap and Duje Caleta-Car.

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