Crook expects Southampton to name Koeman as new manager

talkSPORT's south coast football expert believes Ronald Koeman will be named Southampton's new manager and can attract big name players to St Mary's.

The Saints are on the hunt for a new boss after Mauricio Pochettino opted to join Tottenham last month and the Feyenoord boss tops the list.

However, Crook believes it will be at least another week before Southampton can officially announce the Dutchman's arrival.

"All roads seem to lead to Ronald Koeman," he told Kick Off. "He's the long term favourite and he's the supporters choice.

"There was a poll in the local newspaper and somewhere in the region of 92 percent of the Southampton fans who voted wanted Ronald Koeman as manager.

"My understanding is there will be no definite announcement made for another week. Southampton are still surveying their options, they're speaking to one or two alternative candidates but I do believe Koeman is the favourite."

There are fears of a summer of upheaval at St Mary's with Pochettino gone, Rickie Lambert having agreed to join Liverpool, Adam Lallana looking likely to join him at Anfield and Luke Shaw being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

And Crook added: "I think Shaw and Lallana will go anyway, probably now after the World Cup. Shaw will go to Manchester United and Lallana to Liverpool but the transfer funds they get will be reinvested in the team.

"I don't think there's any suggestion the owner is going to pocket the funds. So they want somebody who's got the calibre to spend the money and attract big name players.

"Koeman is one of the biggest names in the world as a player. He also has that coaching experience so they're confident he will be able to get big names through the door at St Mary's."