Premier League outfit Watford have today confirmed the appointment of Hull City manager Marco Silva on a two-year deal.

The Portuguese boss earned many rave reviews for taking the Tigers to the brink of Premier League safety, and although he was unable to keep them up in the end, their tally of 21 points from the 18 games under his guidance has seriously enhanced his reputation in the game.

And the Hornets have beaten the competition to land the 39-year-old on a two-year contract, replacing Walter Mazzarri as the club’s manager after he left Vicarage Road at the conclusion of the Premier League campaign.

Silva’s appointment at Watford is obviously great news for the Hornets faithful, yet there did appear to be other club’s keeping an eye on the former Hull boss, most notably Southampton.

The Saints, under the stewardship of Claude Puel, finished eighth this season and reached the League Cup final, although the Frenchman has been under increasing scrutiny in recent times given the style of play he adopts.

And this has led to speculation that the 55-year-old could lose his job this summer, and as a result rumours have been circulating as to who could come in and replace him.

Yet, with Silva now out of the question, who could Southampton turn to if they do indeed sack Puel?

Well, here are THREE ideal replacements for the Frenchman at St Mary’s…

Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri remains without a job three months after being sacked as Leicester City manager.

Thus, could he end up at Southampton this summer?

The 65-year-old masterminded the Foxes’ remarkable Premier League title success last season and, although he lost his job earlier this term after a woeful title defence, he’s reputation will remain in tact given his efforts last season, and indeed his other experiences to date.

Ranieri is a former Juventus, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Monaco boss – there’s little doubt that he is a high-profile name, and thus could be the man to take over from Puel this summer.

Garry Monk

Garry Monk stunned the footballing world earlier this week when news came out that he had resigned as manager of Leeds.

The 38-year-old led the club to a seventh place finish in the Championship but was unable to agree a long-term deal with new owner Andrea Radrizzani, and thus will be on the lookout for his next adventure.

And that could take him to St Mary’s.

Many feel that Monk was harshly treated by Swansea when they sacked him back in 2015, and the Saints hierarchy may look upon him as someone with unfinished business in the top-flight.

Roberto Mancini

An experienced manager who knows what it takes to succeed in England, Southampton could turn to Roberto Mancini this summer.

The Italian was the man who led Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title back in 2012, a year after winning the FA Cup with the Citizens.

And he is currently out of work after losing his job at Inter Milan last year, yet with pedigree in England’s top-flight as well as the Italian top tier, Mancini could be the man to replace Puel at St Mary’s.