Russell Martin agrees to become new Southampton manager on three-year deal after Ruben Selles exit

RUSSELL MARTIN has agreed a three-year deal to become Southampton's new manager.

The Saints are set to announce the 37-year-old in the coming days following their confirmation that current boss Ruben Selles will leave after Sunday's game against Liverpool.

It is not clear whether Martin will be in attendance at St Mary's for Southampton's final Premier League game as he prepares to take them in the Championship next season.

The Saints turned to Martin, who led Swansea to a 10th-placed finish this term, after Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca turned the role down.

Martin had already verbally agreed to take the role earlier this week, leaving Southampton to agree a £400,000 compensation package with Swansea.

The Saints are expected to have to pay further compensation to bring Martin's coaching staff to the south coast.

The club confirmed that Selles would not be continuing in his role, with the Spaniard having made clear he only wanted to stay on as manager.

A statement read: "Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men's First Team Manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.

"The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.

"Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary's. We wish him all the best for his future career."

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Martin's managerial career kicked off in 2019 as he took over MK Dons just after retiring from football at the age of 33 while playing at Stadium MK.

The Scotsman spent two years with the Dons and won 31 out of 80 matches, of which he lost 32.

The former centre-back joined Swansea in 2021 where he has won 36 out 99 games, of which he has lost 37.