FORMER Saints boss Harry Redknapp has been made the number one target to take over as Ukraine manager.

The Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) revealed in a statement that they would seek to begin talks with Redknapp, pictured, to succeed Oleg Blokhin.

The 65-year-old has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in the summer. He has since turned down an approach from Russia, who subsequently appointed former England boss Fabio Capello.

According to the FFU statement Redknapp’s name was agreed as its first choice.

“On Tuesday, during a meeting of the Football Federation of Ukraine, the chairman of national teams’ committee and coaches’ council Mikhail Fomenko reported on the situation surrounding the selection of candidates for the position of a head coach,” the statement read.

“During discussions some specialist managers were suggested to be invited from England – Oleg Luzhny and Yury Vernidub mentioned Redknapp’s surname.

“The majority of members of the committee supported this suggestion.”