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Koeman brothers on Southampton's radar

Ronald Koeman was praised by new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal for his work with young players © Getty Images

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Southampton are not only keen to land Ronald Koeman as their new manager, but also the Dutchman's elder brother Erwin, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The club continues to search for a successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who departed St Mary's for pastures new at Tottenham in May.

According to the newspaper, Ronald has been in talks with Southampton for two weeks and has told the club's chiefs he wants to appoint Erwin as his assistant.

Pochettino's backroom staff have since joined the Argentinian at White Hart Lane, which has left Koeman scope to bring in his brother alongside him.

However, Southampton could be forced to act quickly if they are to appoint the duo; Ronald has reportedly received an offer from Galatasaray following the Turkish club's split with manager Roberto Mancini last week.

Both brothers recently left their respective jobs in the Dutch Eredivisie - Ronald from Feyenoord and Erwin from RKC Waalwijk - and Southampton's impressive youth academy could prove an attractive prospect for them.

Ronald received praise from new Manchester United manager and fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal for nurturing young talent at Feyenoord, seven of which were called up by Van Gaal for the Dutch national side.

Van Gaal said: "Koeman knows very well how to develop players ¬individually. I am really pleased with all the players in the Dutch team whom he has coached."

Brother Erwin is also an astute, high-profile name and has a wealth of managerial experience in both the Dutch top-flight and as manager of Hungary.

Southampton have impressed in recent years largely down to young talent progressing from their ranks; Gareth Bale graduated from the club's academy and is now the world's most expensive acquisition, while current players Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw have long been linked with big summer moves to Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

Striker Rickie Lambert has already left for Liverpool but, if appointed, Koeman already looks to have a replacement in mind; £10m-rated Graziano Pelle, who has impressed under the 51-year-old at Feyenoord.

"I want to bring Pelle to my next club. I would love to have him there, as he would be worth every penny," Koeman said.

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