Nicola Cortese is considering his position as Saints executive chairman amid rumours that the owners want changes at St Mary's.

The Italian has overseen Saints' rise from League One to the Premier League since coming in as part of the late Markus Liebherr's takeover in 2009.

Reports that Cortese is considering his future have appeared less than 24 hours after Southampton confirmed their status in the top flight following their 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

It is reported that the Liebherr trust are mulling over a change to how the club is run which could potentially threaten Cortese's all-powerful role as the sole major decision maker at St Mary's.

Cortese is understood to be looking to make a decision by the end of the month - which may be enough time for the supporter reaction to influence the owners into a particular course of action.

It could force the Liebherr family into giving Cortese what he wants, in which case it is assumed he would remain with the club.

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