Ralph Hasenhuttl’s managerial position at Southampton may ‘have been of interest’ to Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Hasenhuttl on brink of departure

According to a report by The Telegraph, the Austrian Saints coach is on the brink of facing the sack at the south-coast club.

It is believed Southampton desire a new manager who is better equipped at nurturing a squad of young talent.

Forest boss Cooper was reportedly included on a list of potential replacements for Hasenhuttl, but the 42-year-old has since signed a contract extension at the City Ground.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones believes Cooper could be a brilliant appointment for Southampton, given his fantastic track record managing England at youth level.

With Forest bottom of the Premier League table, his job is also far from secure at the newly promoted club.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed:

“At Southampton, you’ve already got the foundations. You need two or three changes in there and perhaps a bit of a re-jig with the formation.

“You look at what he was able to do with Forest last season in terms of lifting them from the bottom of the Championship to getting promoted. It’s easy to see him being able to improve this current Southampton team.

“So, if Steve Cooper had lost his job at Forest, I actually do think that Southampton might have been of interest to him.”

The Verdict: Tough start to the season

Having gained just four points from their opening eight Premier League games so far this season, Cooper’s side have not got off to the start they would have been dreaming of when they were promoted from the Championship for the first time in 23 years.

However, having welcomed 23 new faces at the City Ground this summer, the squad have had little time to gel with one another going into the new campaign. Consequently, a lack of familiarity is evident on the pitch.

As a result, Cooper’s circumstances this season were always going to be extremely difficult. Therefore, if the manager, who has been hailed as 'fantastic' by Grimsby boss Paul Hurst, is eventually relieved of his duties with the Tricky Trees, the 42-year-old could be a prime candidate to replace Hasenhuttl – who is now on his last legs at Southampton.

The fact that Cooper has signed a new contract at Forest may scupper his chances somewhat, but there is still a chance that he could leave if their poor form continues.