Southampton have appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager.

Russell Martin was sacked by Southampton following their 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last weekend, leaving the club bottom of the Premier League having guided them to promotion from the Championship last season.

Juric was dismissed by Roma last month after less than two months at the Serie A club. His 18-month deal on the south coast includes a break option which will be reviewed this summer. Should Southampton avoid relegation this season, Juric's contract can be extended by a further two years.

Southampton have been long-time admirers of the Croatian, with the 49-year-old having previously been on Saints' list to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl when the Austrian was sacked two years ago.

Saints also sounded out West Brom boss Carlos Corberan and former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, while Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Rohl had also been linked with the job.

Interim boss Simon Rusk will remain in charge for Southampton's trip to Fulham on Sunday, live on Holasports.

Speaking after signing his contract, Juric told the club website: "I'm very pleased. I think it's a really big challenge but I'm very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.

"It's important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that."