Walter Zenga to Southampton: Saints approach former Italy goalkeeper to replace Ronald Koeman who quit for Everton

SOUTHAMPTON have made a shock approach to former Italy keeper Walter Zenga to replace Ronald Koeman.

Owner Katherine Liebherr gave the green light for the approach to the 56-year-old Zenga.

Ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, Frenchman Claude Puel and Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira have all been linked with the role vacated when  Koeman quit to join Everton.

But in a surprise move, the Saints turned to Zenga to ask if he wants to be considered for the job.

The Inter Milan stalwart won 58 caps for Italy between 1987 and 1992 but his managerial career is chequered.

He has had 15 club jobs in the USA, Italy, Romania,  Serbia, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, with his last job after being sacked by Sampdoria in November a short  spell with Al-Shaab in Sharjah.

Zenga, who speaks good English from his final playing contract at the New England Revolution, where his managerial career began, is understood to be confident the job is his.

Saints are keen to name Koeman’s replacement swiftly but skipper Jose Fonte admits that any new manager has huge shoes to fill.

Fonte, 32, at Euro 2016 with Portugal, is awaiting his sixth manager in as many years at St Mary’s.

He said: “Ronald Koeman did a great job for us — but this is football. It has happened in the past a few times at Southampton, a change of managers.

“But we trust in the club and the board and now have to look forward with whoever comes in.”

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright yesterday revealed personal wealth had nothing to do with Koeman’s switch — and that it was all down to billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri’s vision.

Kenwright said: “To be honest big money didn’t come into it. Farhad has a vision for this club. It involves the Champions League and a new stadium.

“I don’t think for one second Ronald has joined us and isn’t thinking of the Champions League.”