SAINTS might have found their new man in the hot seat as reports explode of Russell Martin’s possible arrival at St Mary’s.

The Swansea City manager is expected to become Ruben Selles’s replacement and Sport Republic’s third appointment in seven months.

It is another up-and-coming boss favoured by Rasmus Ankersen and Henrik Kraft, following Ralph Hasenhuttl’s exit in November last year.

We have compiled everything you need to know about Martin ahead of a busy week which could see the former Scottish international named officially.

Who is Russell Martin?

Daily Echo: Russell Martin celebrates after helping Norwich clinch promotion to the Premier League with their

Brighton-born Martin, 37, was a centre-back during his playing career, beginning in the youth academy of Brighton & Hove Albion.

His professional career began with stints at Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough, before spending eight years at Norwich City, going from League One to the Premier League.

Martin’s time as a player ended with a spell at MK Dons – within months of his arrival, after initial promotion to League One, manager Paul Tisdale was sacked.

On November 2 2019, Martin was appointed as his successor and retired from playing to focus on his management role.

Although he is England-born, Martin was eligible to play for Scotland through his father and earned 29 caps in his career.

How has his management career gone?

Martin’s MK Dons side survived their first season back in League One, finishing 19th when the campaign was ended early due to lockdown.

In that time, MK Dons set a British record for most passes before a goal (56), had higher average possession than every team other than two in Europe’s top leagues (Man City and Barcelona).

MK Dons also had the most touches in the opposition box in the 2020-21 campaign across League One, finishing 13th in the division.

Martin moved to Championship Swansea City in August 2021, with assistants Luke Williams, Matthew Gill and Dean Thornton and has recorded 15th and 10th-placed finishes, with limited investment.

Swansea beat Cardiff City 7-0 on aggregate in their first campaign under Martin – becoming the first side to complete the league double in the derby’s 110-year history.

What are his tactics?

Martin’s philosophy is to dominate possession and create chances with slow build-up, while still adopting a high press to force mistakes from the opposition.

The Swansea man was inspired by watching teams such as Man City, Barcelona and Spain and enjoyed playing in teams that dominated the ball in his career.

Martin typically employs a 4-1-4-1 formation that transforms into a back-three with the midfield six dropping between the centre-backs to create the shape. Attacking full-backs push forward.

Martin wants his side to dictate the tempo of the game but supporters could grow tired if they are unable to turn their possession into clear-cut chances.

Is he available? 

Daily Echo: Russell Martin salutes the Swansea support after beating Norwich City 3-0 in the Championship

Martin has just 12 months left on his Swansea contract and was due to head out to the United States of America for imminent talks on a new deal.

It has been widely reported that this trip was cancelled last minute and while the Daily Echo understands nothing is finalised, Martin strongly leads the way in Southampton’s managerial hunt.

The latest reports suggest a formal approach has not been made to Swansea for Martin but the growing expectation is an announcement could come as early as next week.

Transfer funds will be made available by Sport Republic this summer with Martin due to work alongside director of football Jason Wilcox and a new head of recruitment.