Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - October 19, 2022. Corinthians coach Vitor Pereira during the match.
Southampton could make a move for Flamengo manager Vitor Pereira, with either the Saints or Leeds United already submitting an enquiry.
The Lowdown: Search underway
After parting ways with Nathan Jones, it appeared as though Southampton were poised to bring in Jesse Marsch, however negotiations broke down over the length of the contract, and they will now have to look elsewhere.
An in-house appointment could be an option, with interim boss Ruben Selles saying he is ‘ready to be the number one’, however other managers continue to be linked, with Pereira now emerging as a potential option.
The Latest: Pereira enquiry?
According to a report from Mundo Rubro Negro (via Sport Witness), a Premier League club has made an enquiry about the Flamengo boss, with the Saints and Leeds currently the only two teams without a manager.
It is detailed that if an official proposal is presented, the 54-year-old could ask to leave, as it his dream to manage in the English top flight, although a termination fee would be required.
The Verdict: Get it done?
The Portuguese tactician favours an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which indicates that he could be an exciting appointment for Southampton, who would bring a forward-thinking brand of football to St Mary’s.
Having won eight trophies in his managerial career, including two league titles with FC Porto, the Espinho-born coach has a proven history of success, although his most recent triumph was a Chinese Super Cup in 2018/19.
Given the perilous league position the Saints currently find themselves in, it is probably not the time to bring in someone who has never managed in England before, and they should give Selles the chance to prove himself, as he has the advantage of already knowing the squad.
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