Southampton look for Claude Puel replacements

Southampton manager Claude Puel is not expected to be in the St Mary's dugout when the first day of the new season comes around. However, the club will not dismiss the French manager until they are certain that they have a replacement lined up. 

On paper, it didn't look to be a bad season for Southampton. An eighth place finish and runners up in the EFL Cup may have left Puel feeling satisfied with his first season in charge at the club. 

The fact is though that Southampton scored just forty-one goals in the Premier League, the second lowest in the entire division, and they won seventeen points less than last season. 

The Telegraph reports that Southampton are looking for replacements for Puel and will dismiss him when a deal has been finalised. The report suggests that The Saints are looking to Germany for their next manager, with Roger Schmidt and Thomas Tuchel being linked with the role. 

Schmidt is thought to be the club's first choice, with his style being similar to the one that Southampton fans have grown accustomed to seeing. Schmidt is currently available after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, but is also wanted by other clubs. 

Despite having a year remaining on his contract, Thomas Tuchel left Borussia Dortmund last month due to tensions with the board. Experience with a club like Dortmund would be a great addition for Southampton if he feels now it's time to manage in the Premier League.