Former England international Gary Lineker has described the sacking of Mauricio Pellegrino from Southampton as "pointless".

The coastal club confirmed in a statement on Monday evening that the Argentine had been dismissed, along with his coaching assistants.

Pellegrino replaced Claude Puel in the summer, but failed to meet expectations as he oversaw just five wins in 30 Premier League appearances.

Following Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park, Southampton sit just one point above the relegation zone.

Lineker suggested on Twitter that the Saints made a blunder considering that Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis - both of whom have a record of having clubs from relegation - are unavailable.

The Match of the Day host tweeted: "Pointless Southampton firing their manager at this stage of the season when neither Pulis nor Allardyce are out of work."

Southampton have eight games left to secure their top-flight status.