TOM CLEVERLEY is reportedly in talks with a Premier League club just days after being sacked by Watford.
The former Manchester United star was axed by the Hornets earlier this month after missing out on the Championship playoffs.
Cleverley, 35, took over at Vicarage Road in March 2024 as he replaced Valerien Ismael.
But he could be set for a quick return to the dugout with Southampton interested.
The Guardian have claimed that he is one of the leading candidates to take over at St Mary’s next season.
It is suggested that he has a “strong chance” of being appointed as the new Saints boss.
Cleverley has taken charge of 59 first-team games, winning 20, drawing 14 and losing 25.
The Southampton team is currently playing under caretaker Simon Rusk, who took charge after the sacking of Ivan Juric.
They are a top-flight club for two more games, which come against Everton and Southampton.
Juric was only in charge for 14 Premier League games after replacing Russell Martin.
Cleverley does face competition for the job from fellow Englishman Will Still.
Still has left Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens following the end of the season in order to move back to England.
Still’s parting message to RC Lens
Here is what Will Still told RC Lens fans about his decision to leave…
He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.
“It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.
“The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.
“Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.
“I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.
“The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”
The manager wants to spend more time with his Sky Sports presenter partner Emma Saunders.
His exit came just one season into a three-year deal.
Reports have claimed that Still is in “advanced talks” with Southampton over the vacant manager role.
In his final game, Lens beat AS Monaco 4-0 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Neil El Aynaoui netted twice while Adrien Thomasson and Anass Zaroury wrapped up the scoring.
The victory sealed an 8th-placed finish in the Ligue 1 table.
Still has also had interest from Hull City and has previously turned down Rangers.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl is also believed to be in the running for the job.
Meanwhile, Watford have already replaced Cleverley with former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano.
The Uruguayan becomes the 22nd manager to take charge of the Hornets since Gino Pozzo’s takeover in 2012.
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