Southampton have reportedly agreed to hand Mark Hughes a significant bonus if the Welshman keeps the Saints in the Premier League.

Earlier this week, Southampton announced that they had parted company with Mauricio Pellegrino after the Argentine recorded just one win from 17 matches in the top flight.

The south coast club have acted quickly to appoint Hughes on a deal until the end of the season and according to The Telegraph, the Welshman is in line for a personal windfall if he can preserve Southampton's status among English football's elite.

Southampton currently sit one point above the relegation zone and should the club remain outside of the bottom three, Hughes will allegedly receive just under £1m.

Hughes - who was sacked as Stoke City boss in January - will take charge of his first game on Sunday when Southampton face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The 54-year-old's opening Premier League fixture is a trip to West Ham United at the end of March.