Southampton are reportedly facing the prospect of life without their vice-chairman Les Reed as the Premier League is said to have earmarked him as a candidate for its vacant technical director post.

According to The Times, the 65-year-old features on a shortlist, which also includes Wolverhampton Wanderers sporting director Kevin Thelwell, drawn up by recruitment consultants.

Reed has been with the Saints since 2010 and is part of a setup which has unearthed and nurtured academy prospects including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw, Callum Chambers and James Ward-Prowse.

During Reed's time at Southampton, players including Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Morgan Schneiderlin have earned the club significant profits when being sold on.

The new post with the Premier League is being created to improve youth development across the league and maintaining good relations between the 20 clubs at executive level.

Part of a behind-the-scenes revamp, the role combines those of Ged Roddy and Mike Foster, both of whom have stood down over the last year.