ONE of the first dilemmas facing Ronald Koeman's replacement as Saints boss will be whether or not to cash in on striker Graziano Pelle.

The 30-year-old's stock has risen to an all-time high, having netted twice for Italy at Euro 2016.

And with just a year left to run on his St Mary's contract, there are big decisions to made over his future.

Incoming Saints boss Claude Puel, who is expected to be announced as boss by the end of the week, will need to establish whether he wants to keep one of the club's best goalscorers or recoup some money while they still can.

Pelle has been long expected to leave Saints this summer once the Euros are over, with a host of Serie A and Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested in the 13-goal man.

Former Saints head Koeman has been a big part of the towering frontman's career at both Feyenoord and Saints, and there is speculation that he could head to Merseyside to be reunited with his favourite manager at Everton.

But, after netting goals against Belgium and Spain for the Azzurri - helping Antonio Conte's side into the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 - there are widespread reports in Italy that Serie A giants Juventus are planning to make a move.

Juve are said to be targeting Pelle to replace Alvaro Morata after Real Madrid activated the Spaniard's buy-back clause in his contract.

Lazio have also been touted as possible suitors.

With Pelle in great form, it might be an ideal time for Saints to get back, or even make a profit, on the £8m hitman before his career reaches its twilight.

Pelle turns 31 next month, while his streaky form and an irritable knee meant Saints only saw his best in fits and starts last term.

That all means it could be an ideal time, while he's still worth something and before he walks away for free next summer, to let him depart.

Yet, Puel, the former Nice boss who is expected to arrive at St Mary's this week, could be tempted to keep one of the club's best goalscorers over the past two seasons.

With 15-goal man Sadio Mane already leaving for Liverpool, Puel may feel that letting another one of the club's best goal-threats, who has netted 23 league goals in two seasons, leave is an error.

Although from Pelle's point of view, he has always said that he wants to finish his career in his homeland.

And it is unlikely that Saints would stand in his way, especially as his value could rise further if he continues to score at Euro 2016.