SAINTS have been linked with Paul Mitchell, the club’s former head of recruitment, as its internal review continues.

Mitchell was Saints’ head of recruitment from January 2012 to November 2014 before leaving for a similar role under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.

Currently the sporting director at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, the 37 year-old is one name in the frame to replace Les Reed.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Mitchell is being considered as someone to share the wide-ranging 'football director' role previously held by Reed.

During Mitchell’s Saints spell, the club signed the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Victor Wanyama, Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane.

Mitchell was similarly successful at Spurs, where Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld were recruited during his second stint alongside Pochettino.

Whether he would be persuaded to leave RB Leipzig, who are currently third in the Bundesliga, is another matter.

In a recent interview, he admitted that, although “the common language [at RB Leipzig] is English”, he is struggling to learn German: “The guys have been very patient with me and I’m getting to a point where I understand quite a lot but my Mancunian accent makes it difficult to converse too much."

Mitchell began his recruitment career at MK Dons under Karl Robinson after his playing career ended a decade ago.

He was snapped up by Saints after impressing at MK Dons, where he helped develop the likes of Delle Alli.

Reports of Saints’ consideration of an approach for Mitchell have given fans cause for hope.

Hasan Tariq tweeted: “The return of Paul Mitchell would be a huge breakthrough for the club and a massive step in the right direction. We’ve missed him dearly.”

But while most Saints fans would like to see Mitchell return, they are not all optimistic.

“Sorry to burst the bubble but would Paul Mitchell really want to come back with the club in it’s [sic] current state? I very much doubt it.”