Southampton are expected to announce the appointment of Claude Puel as their new manager by the end of the week, according to the Press Association.
The Premier League club have been looking for a new boss since losing Ronald Koeman to Everton earlier this summer and in Puel they appear to have found their man.
The 54-year-old former defensive midfielder, who spent his entire playing career at Monaco, a side he later managed, is expected to be confirmed by Southampton by the end of the week.
Puel's arrival will allow the Saints to push ahead with their plans for the forthcoming season.
The Frenchman was most recently in charge at Nice and guided the club to a finish of fourth spot in Ligue 1 in the recent concluded season before parting ways with the club.
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Puel kicked off his managerial career at Monaco in 1999 and remained in post until the summer of 2001.
He coached Lille between 2002 and 2008, before being tempted to take charge at Lyon, where he remained for three years and clocked up a win percentage of 48%.
Puel will now prepare for a new challenge in the Premier League.
