Frank de Boer 'emerges as favourite to replace Ronald Koeman at Southampton'

Frank de Boer has reportedly emerged as the favourite to replace Ronald Koeman at Southampton. The 46-year-old coach, who recently left his position at Ajax, is thought to be highly-rated by Southampton's hierarchy and has been identified as a possible candidate to replace his countryman.

Everton are expected to confirm the capture of Koeman after thrashing out a £5m ($7.2m) compensation agreement with the Saints. De Boer has moved to the front of the queue to replace Koeman on the south coast as two other candidates have been ruled out of the running, according to The Mirror.

Bournemouth are set to hold on to their manager Eddie Howe, who is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of the English game. Meanwhile, Sevilla boss Unai Emery is thought to be closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

De Boer won four titles in six years at Ajax and his record of developing young players is said to appeal to the Southampton hierarchy, who are already looking for a replacement for their Everton-bound boss.

Koeman, who, like De Boer, played for Barcelona earlier in his career, has been head-hunted by new Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and is set to sign a contract reportedly worth about £6m a year, according to the BBC. The Dutchman will be followed to Everton by his brother Erwin and fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg.