SAINTS are closing in on the appointment of manager Jesse Marsch to replace Nathan Jones, according to multiple reports.

After just 94 days in charge, Jones was sacked on Sunday morning after overseeing his seventh loss in eight league matches, the last straw coming with defeat to relegation rivals Wolves.

And now, just 48 hours later, Saints look to be close to appointing his successor with Marsch the clear favourite for the vacancy. 

READ MORE: New manager must do what Jones never could: find consistency in giant Saints squad

Several outlets including United States National Men’s Team source Tactical Manager reported Saints interest in Marsch as early as Sunday and after meetings with the club on Monday, the American’s hiring could be confirmed before they face Chelsea this weekend.

Coach Ruben Selles has been taking charge of first-team training in the absence of a permanent manager but The Athletic reports that the club wants their new choice already in place prior to the Stamford Bridge visit.

Marsch was appointed as Leeds United manager just over a year ago and helped guide them to safety on the final day of the campaign. But after just four league wins this season to leave Leeds precariously placed one point clear of the relegation zone, Marsch was sacked in early February. 

Now, he looks set for an immediate return with Saints who face Leeds at Elland Road later this month.

The report goes on to say that while Marsch is the clear front-runner, no deal is complete just yet with multiple other names still on the Saints shortlist.

The disastrous Jones era has left Saints with significant work to do in order to stay up this season, sitting bottom of the Premier League table and four points adrift of safety with 16 games to go.

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