Patrick Vieira is a new name at the head of the betting market for the Southampton job.

The 40-year-old former Arsenal midfield star, is forging a name for himself in management. After finishing his playing career with Manchester City, he become embedded in their system.

He first took charge of City’s reserve side before moving on to take charge of their sister club in America – New York City FC.

Now Vieira is being constantly linked with some big jobs back in Europe, and his name is being suggested for the role at Southampton – after they axed Claude Puel after one season.

Former Borussia Dortmund chief Thomas Tuchel was linked, but he soon ruled himself out of the running.

Now Vieira is amongst the favourites, along with Argentine Manuel Pellegrino – who spent his early career as assistant to Rafa Benirez at Liverpool and Inter Milan.

Pellegrino’s last role was an impressive stint with Alaves – guiding them to mid-table in La Liga, and now both Southampton and Premier League rivals are understood to be keen on him.

Former Ajax and Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer is also understood to be in the reckoning for the role at St Mary’s.

Ladbrokes now make Viera 6/4 favourite, with Pellegrino at 6/5 and De Boer at 4/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Sudden interest in Vieira has blown this market wide open, but if the current odds are anything to go by, there’s every chance the Frenchman will be walking the Saints out on the opening day of the season.”