RALPH HASENHUTTL was this morning sacked by Southampton after nearly four years in charge of the Premier League club.

The Austrian manager was relieved of his duties after the 4-1 loss to Newcastle at home with the Saints 18th in the league table.

Hasenhuttl had guided Southampton to safety in his first season in charge and led the club to an 11th place finish the following season.

He is also credited with playing a "key role in the development of our (Southampton) club infrastructure, identity and playing squad".

But now he will be looking for a new challenge after departing the Premier League club - which has prompted speculation on his Rangers connection.

Pressure is mounting on Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst after a 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone at the weekend.

Fans were left furious by the result and performance with some sections of the support calling for Van Bronckhorst to leave the club.

And now, some speculation has began over Hasenhuttl as a possible alternative in the Ibrox dugout due to his connection with Ross Wilson.

The pair worked together at Southampton and Hasenhuttl was hugely complimentary of Wilson when he left for Rangers.

Speaking in 2019 after Wilson's Ibrox appointment, Hasenhuttl said: "It was surprising for me, but what I can say is that I had a very good relationship with him.

"I liked to work with him, he is a nice and fantastic character, a fantastic personality and I enjoyed every minute with him.

"I wish him all the best. He goes to a famous club to a big club and has a new challenge. It was, I think, about five years here.

"For us, it is a big loss for sure - but this is what happens in football. For us it will be important that we bring somebody new in and we will do this."

A Southampton statement confirming the club had sacked Hasenhuttl this morning, read: "Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl.

"First Team Assistant Coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club.

"Hasenhüttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity and playing squad.

"However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change.

"Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager.

"First Team Lead Coach Rubén Sellés will take charge of the side on an interim basis for our game on Wednesday night. The club will be announcing a permanent replacement in due course."