AMBITIOUS Southampton are plotting a move to replace Claude Puel with Thomas Tuchel.
Puel has already jetted off on his summer holiday with his Saints future still up in the air after an end of season review with head of football development Les Reed.
And the recently sacked Dortmund chief Tuchel is the No1 choice the south coast side want to succeed the Frenchman.
The German surprisingly became available on Wednesday after he was dismissed by the Bundesliga giants just days after leading them to DFB-Pokal Cup glory.
Only the issue is whether Southampton and Reed can persuade one of Europe’s most highly-respected coaches to make the step down.
The Premier League side also face competition from Bayer Leverkusen, who will be able to offer a much bigger wage.
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Pressure is mounting on Puel after a underwhelming first season in charge, although he did lead them to the EFL Cup Final.
He is expected to return to his homeland if he does get fired.
However, Reed wants to ensure he can bring in a high calibre replacement before wielding the axe.
Roger Schmidt, Tuchel’s fellow countryman, is also on the shortlist of potential targets.
The 50-year-old won a league and cup double with Austrian big boys Red Bull Salzburg is 2014 and is a free agent after being axed by Leverksuen in March.
He was a contender for the Watford job before Marco Silva’s appointment.
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