Hasenhuttl lined up for a return to management with Bundesliga contenders Hoffenheim following the sacking of Southampton

RALPH HASENHUTTL is Hoffenheim’s top goal to become their next coach.

The Austrian has been unemployed since being sacked by Southampton after four years in early November.

1

He led them to 11th in their first full season but paid the price with Saints in the relegation zone.

But he could quickly return to the dugout, which would also bring him back to Germany.

Hasenhüttl managed RB Leipzig before taking the job at Southampton.

And now Florian Plettenberg claims he is Hoffenheim’s No. 1 target after they sacked Andre Breitenreiter following their 5-2 defeat at the weekend.

The fighters are currently table 14. Bundesliga and were embarrassed by VfL Bochum on Saturday.

The German club have managed just five league wins all season, accumulating just TWO points from a possible 27.

Meanwhile, Hasenhüttl’s predecessor in Southampton, Nathan Jones, is already losing confidence in his team.

Jones is expected to remain at St Mary’s but his own position was discussed by the Saints board at the weekend following his comments following the Brentford defeat.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – THE BEST DEALS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

And SunSport revealed the Southampton players were unimpressed even before his extraordinary remarks after Jones’ 3-0 defeat.

Jones has lost six of seven games in charge with Saints bottom in the Premier League.