Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the early frontrunner for the vacant position at Southampton.

The Saints announced on Wednesday that they had parted company with Claude Puel after just one year in charge, and they are expected to move swiftly in trying to find a replacement.

A number of high-profile names have already been linked, but it is Tuchel who leads the betting after his recent exit from Dortmund, where he won the German Cup this season.

Frank de Boer - who has also been connected with Crystal Palace - is the second favourite, and had been associated with a potential move to St Mary's before he joined Inter Milan last year.

Former Valencia chief Mauricio Pellegrino could prove to be a popular choice among Saints fans but at this stage, Louis van Gaal is only regarded as an outsider for the position.

It had been reported that the ex-Manchester United manager was being considered for the role ahead of Puel's departure.