Southampton are 'trying not to panic' in their search for a new manager, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Manager search underway

There have been multiple candidates linked to the vacant manager's job at St Mary's, with Flamengo boss Vitor Pereira recently emerging as a potential option, while the likes of Ivan Juric and Jesse Marsch have also been linked.

However, interim boss Ruben Selles cannot be discounted, with The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell recently claiming that Southampton want a quick solution, which would make the Spaniard the perfect candidate.

The Latest: Jones' update

Speaking to GiveMeSport about the Saints' manager search, Jones indicated that Sport Republic are happy for Selles to manage the team for the immediate future, which gives them time to assess other options, rather than making any hasty decisions.

The transfer insider said:  "Yeah, well, my information really on it is that they're trying not to panic here and that decision was quickly made to assure Selles that he would take things for now and they would address the matter with him on a regular basis."

The Verdict: Correct decision

The Saints' interim boss has already proven he has what it takes to take charge of first-team affairs, at least for a short while, with his side emerging 1-0 winners in a 'heroic' performance away at Chelsea on Saturday.

As such, Sport Republic can now afford to take a more cautious approach in their search for a new manager, with the 39-year-old more than capable of remaining in the dugout for the trip to Leeds United, who are without a manager themselves.

There are still good options out there for the Saints, with the recently-linked Marcelo Gallardo being lauded as 'top class' by journalist Adam Blackmore, however it would not be a surprise to see Selles take the reins for the remainder of the season, given his fantastic start.