Nathan Jones close to becoming Southampton manager after deal verbally agreed with Luton

Southampton and Luton Town have verbally agreed a deal for Nathan Jones to take over at St Mary’s. 

Luton gave permission for Jones to speak to Southampton earlier on Monday, which paved the way for the 49-year-old to enter negotiations with the south coast side.

The deal is still to be formalised but personal terms are not expected to be an issue and, barring any late hitches, Jones looks set to succeed Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Southampton sacked Hasenhuttl on Monday morning but want a new manager in place for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.

The Athletic reported soon after that Southampton were considering a move for Jones.

Luton later said in a statement: “Luton Town Football Club can confirm that permission has been granted to Southampton to speak to Nathan Jones about their managerial vacancy following the Hatters’ match at Stoke City.

“We would like to place on record that the Premier League club have approached the board in the correct manner, for which we are grateful, and that the whole situation is extremely amicable with Southampton and with Nathan.

“We would also like to urge all supporters travelling to Stoke to show him and the team your support on what we hope will be yet another memorable away day.”

Jones was one of several options Southampton were considering to replace Hasenhuttl.

The Welshman is currently in his second spell in charge of Luton. He led them to the Championship play-offs with a sixth-placed finish last season, only to lose against Huddersfield Town in the semi-final.

Southampton had wanted to wait until the break before making a decision on Hasenhuttl, but acted sooner with the club 18th in the Premier League.

A dismal 4-1 defeat by Newcastle United at St Mary’s on Sunday left them with just three Premier League wins from their opening 14 matches.

Southampton are next in action against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

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