Mark Hughes has reportedly been informed by Southampton bosses that his position is under intense scrutiny ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow Premier League strugglers Fulham.

The pressure has grown on the Welshman following a disappointing start to his first full campaign at St Mary's Stadium, seeing his side claim just eight points from the first 36 on offer.

Hughes, who has won five of his last 32 matches as a top-flight manager with the Saints and Stoke City, is preparing his team for next weekend's trip to a Fulham side who themselves made a change in the dugout during the international break, swapping Slavisa Jokanovic for Claudio Ranieri.

According to the Daily Mail, Hughes is at risk of being the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season if Southampton suffer defeat at Craven Cottage, with club chiefs acknowledging that swift action is required if they are to save their campaign before it is too late.

Southampton are currently one place above the relegation zone - the same position that they finished in last time out.