The bookmakers’ latest odds have Jesse Marsch as the clear favourite to replace Nathan Jones as Saints manager.

Widespread reports yesterday claimed that the former Leeds United boss is a candidate for the vacant St Mary’s role and Sky Bet have shortened the odds of that happening to 1/4.

Marsch took over at Elland Road just under a year ago and successfully managed to steer Leeds away from the drop-zone, securing survival on the final day of the season at Brentford.

But just four league wins this season - including none in his final seven games in charge - saw Marsch relieved of his duties last week. And he could be in line for an immediate return to Premier League management with the American now firmly the bookies' favourite for the Saints job.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is second-favourite according to Sky Bet at 7/1 odds while former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino rounds out the top three at 10/1. The Argentine would certainly be a popular appointment but it seems unlikely with Pochettino having last managed PSG.

Another former Saints boss, Nigel Adkins, is priced at 50/1 with the 57-year-old out of work since being sacked by League One Charlton Athletic in October 2021.

Other outsiders include Sam Allardyce at 12/1, Marcelo Gallardo at 14/1, Nuno Espirito Santo at 16/1, and reported target Ivan Juric at 20/1.

Ruben Selles, who took charge of Saints previously for the EFL Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday as Jones watched from the stands hours before being announced as Hasenhuttl’s replacement, will lead training this week and is also priced at 20/1.

The Daily Echo notes that this particular market is heavily influenced by punters, and is not necessarily indicative of the likely next step. Stay posted for more updates.

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