Claude Puel’s future at Southampton has grown increasingly doubtful over the course of the last week, and it looks as though Saint-Etienne are ready to do absolutely everything they can to bring him back to France.
It was claimed just days ago that Puel himself had rejected ASSE’s second offer to become their new manager, but that may very well have rested on him looking to get compensation from Southampton as they look to dismiss him.
However, it’s claimed by SFR out in France that the Ligue 1 club would actually be willing to pay compensation to buy Puel out of his current deal at Saints, covering the cost of his remaining two years at St Mary’s.
The report mainly quotes the Telegraph and their report on Puel’s position growing increasingly precarious, but interestingly add their own section on ASSE’s willingness to buy Puel out of his current deal.
This would, in all honesty, be the perfect outcome for the Saints board, who have been discussing Puel’s compensation package with him.
If ASSE come in, pay the compensation and the former Nice manager accepts the third offer – perhaps down to him now being available – it’ll surely be a good move for all parties.
