SACKED Saints boss Ivan Juric is reportedly set to be named as new head coach of highly-rated Champions League outfit Atalanta.

Former Torino and Roma manager Juric, 49, was sacked by Saints following confirmation of the club's relegation from the Premier League in April.

He spent just 108 days in charge at St Mary's, losing 14 of his 16 Premier League matches, with the club at risk of setting a record-low points total.

It is now widely reported that Juric is set to take over at Atalanta, who won the 2023/24 Europa League and finished third in Serie A last season.

Their league finish, just eight points off title winners Napoli, means Atalanta will compete in the Champions League next campaign.

Juric is a disciple and former assistant of Gian Piero Gasperini, who quit Atalanta this summer after nine years at the club to join Roma.

Juric will pen a two-year contract, keeping him in Bergamo until 2027, just eight weeks after his 18-month deal at St Mary's was axed. 

Juric's only league win came in the form of a 2-1 victory at fellow relegated side Ipswich Town's Portman Road in February.

Split-born Juric replaced sacked Russell Martin in December, with Martin also landing a Champions League job this week at Scottish giants Rangers.

Despite winning just one of his 14 Premier League games, Martin has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox ahead of the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers will compete in the Champions League qualifying play-offs, while Atalanta will head straight into the group stage of the competition.