SOUTHAMPTON have reportedly made a shock move for former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga to replace Ronald Koeman.

The 56-year-old has spent most of the last six seasons coaching in the Middle East and was sacked by Italian side Sampdoria last year.

He was a World Cup winning goalkeeper in 1990 - but his unusual career path since then has seen him star in a steamy Italian soap opera.

The Sun reports that Saints owner Katharina Liebherr has approved an approach and the globetrotting coach is "confident" of landing the job.

And his odds have narrowed to 4/1 in some betting markets.

Manuel Pellegrini, former Nice boss Claude Puel and Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira remain in the frame, according to the paper.

Zenga started his managerial career at New England Revolution in 1999 before moving to Italian Serie D side Prima Brera. He has managed 13 clubs since then including sides in Romania, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Turkish city of Gaziantep.

Whilst dating Italian actress and lingerie Model Hoara Borselli, Zenga starred in soap opera Costanza, described as "lusty" by critics in the US.

A bizarre switch to Southampton would stun fans after links with more decorated managers like Pellegrini, Unai Emery and Frank de Boer.

Inter Milan veteran Zenga won 58 caps for Italy between 1987 and 1992 and was a penalty shootout hero in the semi-final of their 1990 World Cup winning campaign.