Southampton want former Reading boss Steve Coppell to return to football.

The Daily Mail says Southampton are lining up Steve Coppell for a new director of football role.

Coppell is wanted to help recently installed boss Alan Pardew turn around League One's bottom club.

He has not worked since quitting Reading at the end of last season but Saints hope to tempt him back into the game and appointed former assistant Wally Downes as defensive coach yesterday.