SOUTHAMPTON have moved quickly to replace manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and have been given permission by Luton Town to speak to Nathan Jones.

Hasenhuttl was sacked by Saints on Monday morning after almost four years in charge following their poor recent run of results.

Southampton slipped into the relegation zone following Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle and the club see Jones, 49, as the man to help them climb back out.

Luton travel to Stoke on Tuesday and will allow Saints to speak to their manager after the match.

A statement from the Hatters read: “Luton Town Football Club can confirm that permission has been granted to Southampton to speak to Nathan Jones about their managerial vacancy following the Hatters’ match at Stoke City.

“We would like to place on record that the Premier League club have approached the board in the correct manner, for which we are grateful, and that the whole situation is extremely amicable with Southampton and with Nathan.

“We would also like to urge all supporters travelling to Stoke to show him and the team your support on what we hope will be yet another memorable away day.

“As a club we will not be making any further comment until the process is complete.”

Jones has done an impressive job at Luton in the Championship on a tight budget and led them to the play-offs last season.

The former Southend United full-back, who originally took over at Kenilworth Road in 2016 and had a brief spell at Stoke City before returning, has guided them to eighth this term.

Jones made 114 appearances for Blues between 1997 and 2000.

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