By Sam Stone

7th Oct, 2022 | 5:10pm

Alex Crook: Jesse Marsch from Leeds United to Southampton are fanciful

Reports linking Jesse Marsch with a move from Leeds United to Southampton are “fanciful” according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Times reported (7 October) that Southampton are have considered the American as Ralph Hassenhuttl’s future at St Mary’s comes under threat.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper was also considered but has since signed a new deal at the City Ground and Crook has revealed (via Twitter, 7 October) that the Saints’ links to both were unlikely.

He wrote: “Steve Cooper to #SaintsFC was shortlived! Never looked likely as Ralph’s biggest strength is developing young players. Also told the Jesse Marsch links are fanciful.”

Backwards step

As much as Southampton fans will argue the case. Moving from Elland Road to St. Mary’s would’ve been a massive backwards step for Marsch had the rumours had any more substance.

Southampton do have the facilities and a young developing side, but ultimately, Leeds are on a different stratosphere when it comes to the size of the club.

In the short term, there is a chance that Southampton could drag themselves into being a competing top-half Premier League side. But long-term, Leeds have the capability of pushing on to challenge the top six, purely down to the stature and potential that there is at Elland Road.

Furthermore, Leeds’ summer business clearly demonstrates that Marsch’s time at Elland Road is a long-term project. Adding younger players who he can develop will take time, but is something that he is clearly committed to.

Crook’s information will come as a welcome relief but realistically, was there anything to really be concerned about when it came to Southampton’s supposed interest?

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims the Whites can make a financial killing on a player who’s been left confused.