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Cape Town - Ronald Koeman is first in line to be the next Southampton boss after Michael Laudrup dropped out of the race after deciding he wants to manage a "big club".
ESPN UK are reporting that Koeman is currently leading the race to take over the reigns at Southampton.
Koeman, 51, is a free agent after leaving Feyenoord is said to have met with Southampton officials on Monday.
After losing manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham last week, it is understood the 51-year-old former Ajax, Benfica and Valencia manager is regarded as the leading candidate to replace the outgoing Argentinian. Koeman is known for to his attacking philosophy as well as his impressive record of developing talented youth players. Sources close to the club maintain that management are expected to talk to other candidates.
Koeman brings a wealth of experience with him should he be chosen to lead Southampton next season. In 14 years as a manager, he has won three Dutch titles with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, as well as the Copa del Rey during his time in Spain.
At Feyenoord, he managed to win the Eredivisie once and added two runner-up spots to his impressive managerial record.
As a player, he won the Champions League with both Ajax and Barcelona, as well as the 1988 European Championship with Holland.
Laudrup who was shown the door at Swansea City last season is currently in talks with clubs in Spain and England but is looking for a project where he can take the step up to the next level.
"I will try to not sound arrogant now, because I am not, but it has been clubs on a level where I have already been," he told Politiken.
"I have tried smaller clubs in the two big leagues, Getafe and Mallorca in Spain and Swansea in the Premier League. Therefore, I do not see any reason to repeat it.
"That leaves with me two options: to wait for an offer from a big club or accept one the offers I have received from clubs outside Europe."
