Saints have sacked manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

The club have axed the Argentinian tonight after a run of just one win in 17 Premier League games, which has left Saints just outside of the relegation zone.

Saints have now begun the search for a successor and are hoping to make an appointment quickly, preferably before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Wigan.

A Saints statement said: “Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has parted company with First Team Manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

“Assistant Manager Carlos Compagnucci and Assistant First Team Coach Xavier Tamarit have also parted company with the club.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos and Xavier for their efforts during their time with Southampton, and wish them well for the future.

“The club will look to appoint a new management team as soon as possible, with the search for a replacement already underway.”