OGC Nice boss Claude Puel is set to be appointed as the next manager of Southampton, after the departure of Ronald Koeman to Everton.
Reports in France suggest Puel could also bring French star Hatem Ben Arfa with him to St.Mary’s.
According to L’Equipe, Puel could be announced as the manager of Southampton today, and the French manager is already thinking about signing Ben Arfa.
L’Equipe say Puel has already asked Southampton to work on the transfer of the 29-year-old, and that Ben Arfa is ready to open negotiations with the Premier League side.
Puel and Ban Arfa share a ‘strong’ relationship, but Southampton could face competition from Premier League champions Leicester City, who have also made an approach to sign the former Newcastle star.
Outside England, it appears Sevilla are in pole position to sign Ben Arfa and have reportedly offered a three year contract. Several other European clubs have been linked with Ben Arfa, as well as other teams in France.
