Daily Echo:

PATRICK Vieira has been installed as one of the bookies' favourites to replace Claude Puel as Saints manager.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes are considering the Arsenal legend the top choice for the role, offering odds of 6/4.

Mauricio Pellegrino and Frank de Boer, who have been widely tipped for the job, also feature among the popular choices.

The 40-year-old has had a short managerial career, having only retired from a glittering playing career, which saw him win the Premier League and Serie A three times and a World Cup, in 2011.

After hanging up his boots he took a coaching role at Manchester City's academy and later became manager of their development and reserve team from 2013 to 2015.

Vieira is currently New York City FC's boss, where he's been since January last year.

He has previously been interviewed by Newcastle United for the manager's role in June 2015, but couldn't come to agreement over recruitment and transfer policy with the St James' Park outfit.

Saints sacked Puel last week after a year in charge, in which he led the club to an eighth place finish and the League Cup final.