By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th May, 2023 | 7:26am

Southampton reach agreement over Russell Martin deal - sources

Southampton are set to appoint Swansea City’s Russell Martin as their new manager, sources have told Football Insider.

The 37-year-old has secured a full agreement with the relegated Premier League following a breakthrough in talks.

The Saints, who were relegated from the top flight last week to confirm they will be in the Championship next season, are expected to formalise a deal to make Martin their new manager next week.

Southampton have moved quickly to get a deal over the line as they prepare for life in the second tier.

It is believed they are yet to make an official approach to Swansea for permission to speak to Martin, but that is expected to be a formality.

Martin, who has only a year to run on his Swansea contract, has repeatedly said he would be interested in extending his stay in Wales, but no new deal has materialised.

Martin had been set to head to the United States this week for talks over future plans, but the trip was cancelled with the former Scotland defender now the leading contender to be named as Ruben Selles’ successor.

Selles, who replaced Nathan Jones as Southampton’s manager on an interim basis, is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Southampton have already made changes to their management structure with Jason Wilcox joining as their new director of football, while Darren Mowbray is expected to be named as the club’s new head of recruitment.

Former Norwich City captain Martin signed a three-year contract with Swansea when he left MK Dons to succeed Steve Cooper in August 2021.

He led Swansea to 15th in his first season as a Championship boss, and 10th in 2022-23, a campaign which ended with a rousing nine-game unbeaten run.

In other news, Everton make move to sign Southampton star.