Southampton 'shortlist' intriguing next manager candidate as Man United look to snatch Brighton target

Russell Martin could be facing a potentially pivotal night at Bournemouth on Monday as his Southampton side look to kick-start their season.

The Saints earned promotion back into the Premier League with a narrow win over Leeds United in last season’s Championship play-off final - but their return has not gone as expected as Martin’s men have collected just on point from their opening five games of the season. That has led to speculation Martin could become the first Premier League manager to leave their club and Football Insider have now claimed the Saints have identified two possible replacements for the former Norwich City defender.

A report released over the weekend has revealed the St Marys Stadium hierarchy ‘could turn to’ former Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter if they opt to dispense with Martin over the coming weeks. Potter, who has also been linked with the vacant England manager’s role, recently spoke of his desire to return to management and suggested the likes of Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery are his inspirations as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He told The Telegraph: “It wasn’t so long ago that Eddie Howe left Bournemouth after they had been relegated, he took 18 months out and now he’s at Newcastle doing brilliant things. If you look at Unai Emery, how he was received after leaving Arsenal and look at what he’s doing now. This is the job, the challenge of football. I see it (Chelsea) as an unbelievable experience that I’ve had, it didn’t go as well as I’d have liked. I have to take responsibility for that, but I think I’m better for it and I’ll be a better coach, for sure.”

The 3AM Verdict: It seems somewhat cruel to judge Potter solely on a difficult spell at Chelsea and he showed enough during his time at Brighton to suggest someone will get a very good manager and coach if they make a move for his services. Although Southampton have struggled in the early weeks of the Premier League season, it does seem very early to even contemplate allowing Martin to leave. But should they come to that decision, Potter would be a strong option to replace him.

Seagulls swoop in jeopardy as Gunners and Red Devils show interest

Brighton and Hove Albion’s ability to unearth hidden gems has been well-versed in recent years - so there is no surprise some Premier League rivals may sit up and take notice when the Seagulls are linked with a player.

The Amex Stadium club have brought in the likes of Moises Caicedo, Yves Bissouma, Alexis Mac Allister and Marc Cucurella for modest fees in recent years before selling them on for a major profit. Current Seagulls stars like Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson have been tipped to follow a similar path over the coming seasons.

The latest name said to be on Brighton’s radar is Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure after he scored six goal in 16 appearances for Swedish club Hammarby. However, The Mirror have now suggested both Manchester United and Arsenal are tracking the youngster and were represented at Hammarby’s recent 2-0 win over Allsvensken rivals Hacken.

Hammarby's sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg said earlier this week: “There are a lot of clubs coming to the match against Hacken. We need to plan for a future without him. Then if it happens this winter, next summer or even further than that – I don’t think so, we’ll see. But the longer we get to keep him the better.”

The 3AM Verdict: Given Brighton’s high level of success with completing the signings of players that have gone under the radar elsewhere, it’s not really a shock to see other clubs being linked with reported Seagull’s targets.