Southampton ‘agree one-and-a-half year deal with former Serie A boss’ with shock new candidate ‘flying to the UK TODAY as Saints look to seal appointment in time for Fulham clash’

Southampton are reportedly set to appoint a former Serie A boss as their new manager.

The Saints are looking for a new manager after Russell Martin was sacked last Sunday with the club bottom of the Premier League.

The South Coast club have recorded just one win from 16 games so far in their return to the top flight and are nine points adrift of safety.

According to The AthleticsSouthampton have reached an agreement to appoint former Roma boss Ivan Juric as their new manager.

The outlet claims the 49-year-old is expected to fly to Britain today (Friday) with a view to hitting the sidelines for Sunday’s match with Fulham.

The Croatian has signed a deal until 2026, with a two-year extension option.

Juric was sacked from his role at Roma last month after just three months in charge, having taken over from Daniel De Rossi in September.

He left the team four points above the Serie A relegation zone and 20th in the Europa League table.

It is said that Southampton see him as a strong character who makes teams difficult to beat despite physical intensity and solid defensive structure.

Juric previously played for three years at Torino and was a strong contender to become manager of Southampton two years ago.

He was supposed to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl in the final, but the Saints opted for Nathan Jones instead.

Talks were held with Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl, but Southampton were unwilling to pay large compensation to secure his services.

The Championship side were unwilling to let Dohl leave on the cheap after their good start to the season, with the club four places and nine points behind the promotion places.

If the deal goes through, Juric will be Southampton’s fourth manager in two years, after Martin was sacked following the 5-0 thrashing of Tottenham.

Under-21 manager Simon Rusk took interim charge of the side in their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.