CLAUDE PUEL is set to take over as Southampton boss this week.

Puel, 54, has agreed a three-year contract to succeed Ronald Koeman.

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The ex-Nice manager beat off competition from former Manchester City chief Manuel Pellegrini to land the job.

Puel has also bossed Monaco, where he had a spell coaching under Arsene Wenger.

He won the French title and led Lyon to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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Saints were impressed with Puel’s track record of developing young players — giving him the edge over Pellegrini.

The south coast side have been searching for a new boss since Koeman defected to Everton.

Pellegrini and Puel were interviewed last week.