Southampton are poised to announce Russell Martin as their new head coach having confirmed Rubén Sellés will depart after taking charge against Liverpool on Sunday, their final game of the season.
A compensation package worth upwards of £400,000 is thought to have been agreed with Championship Swansea City where Martin, the former Norwich defender and captain, has won admirers across the past two seasons.
Relegated Southampton struck a deal with Martin after he did not travel to the United States as planned for talks with the Swansea owners. Enzo Maresca, who works alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, was also earmarked as a candidate for the job.
The 37-year-old Martin, who succeeded Steve Cooper at Swansea, is expected to be joined at St Mary’s by his assistant manager Matt Gill, the former Norwich and Ipswich midfielder. Other backroom staff could also follow.
A statement confirming Selles, who worked under Ralph Hasenhüttl and Nathan Jones at the club, would be leaving was released on Wednesday.
The statement read: “The club wants to place on record its thanks to Rubén for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.”
