OUTGOING Saints boss Ruben Selles has outlined his future ambitions, stating that he would like to stay in England and ‘if it’s not the Premier League, it’s very close to that.’

Arriving last summer to work under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Selles was given the managerial role on an interim basis following the sacking of Nathan Jones in February. And after Selles oversaw a shock 1-0 win at Chelsea, he was handed the full-time job until the end of the season.

But only one more victory has followed that success at Stamford Bridge and Saints have now failed to win any of their last 12, leading to relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2012.

READ MORE: ‘Such a talented squad’ - Liverpool boss Klopp full of praise for relegated Saints

Selles has previously stated that he is only interested in staying at Saints as manager and earlier this week the club confirmed that his contract would not be renewed.

Speaking on Friday about his ambitions ahead of departing Saints this summer, Selles remained bullish about his own future.

"I would like to stay here (England) and the top level we can stay, if it’s not the Premier League it’s very close to that,” Selles said. 

“My target has always been to compete against the best and with the best, that’s what I’ve done the last three months and I want to be back and I want to fight to be back as quick as possible."

Swansea boss Russell Martin is widely expected to take over at Saints and while Selles refused to be drawn into any speculation about his successor, he explained what he has told the club ahead of a crucial summer.

"I just gave my opinion on all of the individual players,” Selles explained. “I don’t know who is the next coach, you probably know better than me, it’s not for me.

"I just told the club what I think, I said before what we need to do to rebuild the squad for the Championship or for the Premier League. They know my opinion but they can do with that what they want."