Former Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has reportedly rejected the chance to manage Cardiff City in favour of the potential of opportunities at Southampton or West Ham United.

Cardiff appointed former Millwall manager Neil Harris on Saturday following the resignation of his predecessor Neil Warnock last week.

Pulis has been out of work since May after leaving Middlesbrough, his side failing to reach the Championship play-offs and the experienced 61-year-old being left to find work elsewhere.

After Pulis snubbed Cardiff in favour of a higher-profile job, it is believed that he has no interest in taking a role with a Championship side and believes that the Premier League once again beckons for the former Stoke City boss.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini is increasingly under pressure, having picked up just two points from his last six games while Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhutl has also suffered some poor results over the past few weeks.

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Pulis has been out of the Premier League for the last two years now, last being in the dugout at West Bromwich Albion before departing in November 2017 after some poor results and a negative brand of football for the Baggies.

The Verdict

Pulis would have the right experience to be a good manager for Cardiff, however his decision to hold out for a Premier League job may be the wrong decision on his part having not managed in the top flight for two years.

The 61-year-old could have done a good job if he had chosen to take the Cardiff role as he would have helped stabilise them and get them on the right track, however he wouldn't have been the right man for them long-term.