Southampton have reportedly shortlisted Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace as a potential replacement for Russell Martin.
The Saints have endured a difficult start to life back in the Premier League, losing each of their opening four matches at the top level of English football this season.
Last weekend's 3-0 defeat at St Mary's to Manchester United was the next in a line of poor results, with Southampton yet to collect any top-flight points.
As a result, the South-coast club occupy 19th position in the Premier League table, above basement dwellers Everton courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Alongside defensive struggles, the Saints have failed to pose a significant threat to their opponents, scoring just once across a quartet of league contests.
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Southampton considering Blackburn's Eustace as Martin replacement?
According to Football Insider, Southampton are already considering and preparing for a change of personnel in the managerial hotseat during the early part of this campaign.
The report claims that the Saints have shortlisted Blackburn head coach Eustace as a potential arrival at St Mary's should a vacancy arise on the South coast.
It is understood that Southampton's hierarchy have been left concerned and unsatisfied by their side's style of play under the reign of Martin so far this term.
As a result, the owners are supposedly willing to fire the former Swansea City man as early as the end of the month if results do not improve.
The Saints welcome fellow top-flight newcomers Ipswich Town to St Mary's on Saturday afternoon, representing a good opportunity to get off the mark in the Premier League.
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Does Eustace deserve a Premier League chance?
At 44 years of age, Eustace is still in the blossoming stages of his managerial career, although he has already built a solid reputation for himself in the Championship.
Starting his first-team career at Kidderminster Harriers in the National League, he was given the chance to manage Birmingham City in the second tier.
Eustace kept Blues steady during a time of financial strain at the club, making sure the Second City outfit avoided relegation to League One.
The ex-Watford player is now in charge at Blackburn, where he has made an unbeaten start to the Championship term, winning three and drawing two.
Carter White
