Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel has emerged as favourite to replace Claude Puel as manager of Southampton.

The Saints confirmed the departure of boss Claude Puel on Monday evening, after weeks of speculation about the Frenchman’s future.

Tuchel has been linked for a number of weeks and sources have confirmed he is on the list of the St Mary’s hierarchy – who have been informed by people close to the German, that he would be open to the prospect of moving to the South Coast.

Southampton are now assessing their options and they are considering other options, which I believe include the likes of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Fulham’s Slavisa Jokanovic – together with a number of foreign based coaches.

Bookmakers have reacted early and make Tuchel – who left Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer – as clear favourite and BetVictor list him as Evens favourite.

BetVictor Spokesperson Charlie McCann said: “Tuchel won the German Cup with Dortmund last season but was reported to be disappointed with club officials for agreeing to Uefa’s demands to play Monaco 24 hours after the team bus had been attacked on the way to the quarter-final tie.

“He is our Even money favourite and believe it would be a real coup for the Saints if they brought the German to St Mary’s and the Premier League.”