Southampton have reportedly identified former Watford boss Marco Silva as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pellegrino, should the Argentine leave the club.

Silva was sacked by the Hornets on Sunday after an "unwarranted approach" from Everton led to a drop in the club's results, and according to The Sun, Saints chiefs want the Portuguese at St Mary's.

Southampton, who have only won four of their 24 Premier League games so far this season, are a point adrift of safety in the top flight having won just one of their last 15 league games.

The newspaper says that the Saints, who battled with Crystal Palace and Watford to sign Silva following his departure from Hull City, would not rule out appointing the 40-year-old if their current manager leaves.

Pellegrino was named Southampton manager in June last year following Claude Puel's exit from the south coast.