Southampton eyeing Swansea City manager Russell Martin

Southampton are interested in appointing Swansea City manager Russell Martin as their next boss, reports Sky Sports.

The Saints will play in the Championship next season after being relegated.

They are eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League and are keen on Martin.

Southampton will part ways with manager Ruben Selles after he failed to turn their fortunes around.

The Spaniard took charge of the club when Nathan Jones was sacked in February.

Selles kicked off his interim reign with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and was handed the job permanently.

However, the club won just one of their next 13 Premier League games.

Southampton want a new manager in place in early July when their pre-season starts.

Martin is one of the leading candidates to take over, but a decision has not been reached.

The Saints are interviewing candidates, but the Swansea boss has a strong chance of landing the job.

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards, Sunderland’s Tony Mowbray and Plymouth Argyle’s Steven Schumacher have all been linked with Southampton.

However, none of them are considered in the running for the job.

The club want a manager who prefers to dominate possession and develop players.

They also want to secure alignment between him, the ownership and the incoming director of football Jason Wilcox.

Swansea finished the Championship in 10th place, three points off the play-off zone.

The Welsh club ended the campaign unbeaten in their last nine games, drawing twice.

Their performances have attracted Southampton, and with the club ready to spend to earn promotion, Martin could be keen on a move.