MAURICIO Pochettino is now the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave their job.

It comes after the departure tonight of Nicola Cortese as Saints' chairman.

When Cortese last indicated he might leave Southampton over the summer, Pochettino came out to say he could not imagine the club without the former Swiss banker, and would leave if the chairman did.

The Argentinian has not made any public statement concerning Cortese since the rumours started again earlier this week, with many fans hoping that means he will stay.

However, that has not stopped him becoming the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to go with a range of bookmakers.

Paddy Power, BetFred, Stan James, William Hill and Bet Fair all list Pochettino as they man they consider most likely to go next.

On Oddschecker, only Ladbrokes go against the grain, listing Norwich boss Chris Hughton as the most likely candidate.

Pochettino has won a number of plaudits for the manner in which he has got Saints playing since he took over, a year ago on Saturday.

His contract currently runs until the end of next season and many Saints fans will be hoping he will at least be at the club for that long, if not beyond.