Daily Echo:

Mauricio Pellegrino and Frank De Boer remain the frontrunners to become the new Saints manager.

Saints have been busy conducting interviews over the past few days, and the Daily Echo understands they are edging nearer to a decision.

It is believed the shortlist has now been whittled down to just three contenders, with Pellegrino and De Boer the clear favourites.

There is a sense that Pellegrino could emerge as first choice, but the situation is complicated by the fact that Crystal Palace are also believed to be keen on him for their own managerial vacancy.

It is believed that De Boer has also been interviewed by the Eagles.

Pellegrino’s experience, style of play and desire to bring through young players has made the Argentinian a compelling candidate for the role.

De Boer, on the other hand, boasts much of the same and huge gravitas thanks to his glittering playing career.

Saints are still aiming to be in a position to announce Claude Puel’s successor before the players return for pre-season testing a week today, but it is touch and go whether anything will be settled this side of the weekend.

Saints have held fire on jumping into any transfer deals until a new manager has been confirmed.

They have also waited on confirming pre-season friendlies for their planned trips to Austria and France.

The situation with backroom staff, and specifically Puel’s assistant, Eric Black, remains on hold too until a new manager is appointed and consulted on his wishes going forward.