Saints 'ready to axe' struggling Pellegrino

Southampton are ready to replace their head coach Mauricio Pellegrino at the end of the season as Vice President Les Reed reportedly wants to hold off a decision to avoid a panic appointment.

The ''Saints'' had wanted to become European football challengers next season, but instead are fighting to survive relegation.

With the team currently in 17th position and facing a relegation battle, the board has grown tired of disappointing results - most recently the 0-0 against fellow strugglers Stoke City - and has already drafted a list of potential replacements for Pellegrino.

Among the list of speculated prospective candidates are Slavisa Jokanovic of Fulham and Graham Potter of Ostersunds FK.

Southampton's next Premier League match is against Newcastle United, who are only a point and a place above them in the division.