Southampton will not be rushed into a decision over the future of manager Claude Puel.

The Daily Echo says Saints will not base their decision on whether to stick with Puel or axe the Frenchman go based on another club coming in for him.

Saint Etienne are reportedly keen to try and bring Puel back to his home country for next season after they axed Christophe Galtier.

Puel is believed to be one of several names on the Saint Etienne shortlist with the Ligue 1 club well aware that the manager's stay at St Mary's could soon come to an end.

Saints are unconcerned by interest in Puel from elsewhere, and are not factoring it into their decision making process.