Southampton want Marco Silva and are ready to replace Mauricio Pellegrino with former Watford boss days after his sacking
Portuguese tactician was sacked by Hornets on Sunday and immediately replaced by Javi Gracia
MARCO SILVA is poised for a swift return to Premier League management with Southampton.
Silva, 40, was sacked by Watford on Sunday after a run of just one win in 11 league games.
Current Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino, 46, is in the midst of an even worse run than Silva — one win in 15 league games.
Pellegrino likens his job to the electric chair but is not expecting the sack.
QUICK SILVA REPLACEMENT Gracia named Watford boss the same as Silva sacking
He said: “I fear for the health of my family, not my job. I enjoy my job, even in difficult moments.”
But Pellegrino is clearly in danger as chiefs eye Silva as their saviour — and the appointment will be popular, with fans calling for him to go on social media yesterday.
Despite the team’s position, it did not stop Pellegrino blooding a young gun — after giving Michael Obafemi his Premier League debut at 17 years and 199 days.
That made the Irish striker the club’s second youngest top-flight debutant behind Luke Shaw.
And Obafemi, who almost hit a late winner against Spurs, was shocked by his promotion.
He said: “I came in on Saturday thinking I was playing the Under-18s match against Fulham.
“But then I got told I’d be training with the first team, with the potential to be in the squad.
“I was overwhelmed, I was nervous but the welcome from the supporters was brilliant.”
Saints left-back Matt Targett, 22, has joined Fulham on loan for the rest of the season.