SAINTS have no interest in appointing Walter Zenga as their new manager, the Daily Echo understands.

The 56-year-old former Italy international goalkeeper was a shock name thrown into the ring via a national newspaper report at the weekend.

However, the reports are believed to be wide of the mark, with Saints not having Zenga on their shortlist of candidates to speak to.

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 Gazian.

The search for a new manager continues for Saints, who are understood to be mulling over a variety of candidates, including Claude Puel and Manuel Pellegrini.