Russell Martin is close to being named as the new manager of Southampton Football Club following their relegation from the Premier League. Martin, who is currently the head coach of Swansea City, has only a year left on his contract and has not travelled to the US for scheduled talks with Swansea’s American ownership group. Southampton have yet to make an official approach to Swansea for permission to speak to Martin, but they are confident that the 37-year-old will be their new boss. Martin signed a three-year contract when he left MK Dons to succeed Steve Cooper at Swansea in August 2021 and led them to 15th place in his first season as a Championship boss, and 10th in 2022-23. His commitment to Swansea’s trademark possession football style is believed to appeal to Southampton’s hierarchy, and they are aiming to appoint a new manager swiftly following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.