Ex-Watford boss Marco Silva is early favourite to succeed Mauricio Pellegrino at Southampton
Mark Hughes, Slaven Bilic, Martin O'Neill and Ronald Koeman are among names in the running for vacant role at St Mary's
MARCO SILVA is the bookies' favourite to replace sacked Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
The Saints chief was chopped on Monday after a poor run of form has seen the South Coast side from just one point above the Premier League's relegation zone.
The 40-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by the Hornets in January after their form slipped following interest in the Portuguese from Everton.
Silva also remains in the frame to dethrone current Toffees boss Sam Allardyce as well as under-pressure Alan Pardew at doomed West Brom.
But Southampton could get their man first and Silva is just 9/4 to be their next boss.
Fomer Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is the second favourite, with convincing 5/2 odds.
Slaven Bilic, Martin O'Neill, Roberto Mancini and Ronald Koeman are also in the running.
MAUR IS NEEDED Southampton sack Mauricio Pellegrino as Saints battle for Prem survival
As are Frank De Boer, Harry Redknapp, Brendan Rodgers and Toffees boss Big Sam.
The Saints, who only have eight games left, are looking for a coach to come in and save them from Premier League relegation.
Southampton dismissed Pellegrino after the 46-year-old managed just one win in 17 Premier League games.
A club statement read: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has parted company with First Team Manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
“Assistant Manager Carlos Compagnucci and Assistant First Team Coach Xavier Tamarit have also parted company with the club.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos and Xavier for their efforts during their time with Southampton, and wish them well for the future.
“The club will look to appoint a new management team as soon as possible, with the search for a replacement already underway.”