Southampton have appointed former Nice boss Claude Puel as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The Saints had been on the lookout for a new manager after Ronald Koeman departed his position at St Mary's to take charge of Merseyside outfit Everton.

The likes of Manuel Pellegrini and Eddie Howe were linked with the position, but Puel emerged as the favourite over the last week and Southampton have now confirmed the Frenchman's appointment.

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We're delighted to confirm the appointment of Claude Puel as #SaintsFC's First Team Manager. #SaintClaude pic.twitter.com/iwkDBPF2YC

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 30, 2016

Puel, who represented AS Monaco as a player, managed Nice between 2012 and 2016 and has also been in charge of Monaco, Lille and Lyon.

Former Aston Villa interim boss Eric Black has been appointed assistant manager.