Southampton legend Franny Benali insists that whoever takes charge from Ralph Hasenhuttl has to excel at developing young players.

The Austrian manager got the boot at the St. Mary's Stadium club after the team dropped into the relegation zone this past weekend.

Southampton are in talks with Luton Town boss Nathan Jones as a possible candidate to take over from Hasenhuttl.

Asked about Jones on Sky Sports, Benali said: “Well he's one clearly I would imagine of a number of people that have been considered and looked at.

“We still don't know at this moment if that is actually going to be the appointment that's made.

“He's going to be one of quite a few that I'm sure the club would have gone into that due diligence of looking at 'okay, if we are making this decision with Ralph Hasenhuttl, who are we going to look to bring in?'.

“It's got to be someone who can work with this young squad. There's a huge amount of talent, a lot of money spent on bringing those young players into the squad in the summer.

“There's some very good players at the club – still I think missing a little something. Goals have been a problem for Southampton clearly in recent times and that hasn't helped Ralph himself either.

“If it was someone like Nathan, then clearly, it's probably on an upward spiral for him. From a managerial perspective, his passion, the success he's has with Luton is maybe something Southampton have looked at and thought we've got to consider."