Sampdoria are reportedly on the verge of announcing Vincenzo Montella as the new manager of the Serie A club.

The Blucerchiati have been on the search for a new head coach after sacking Walter Zenga earlier this week.

Montella has been strongly linked with the position at the Genoan outfit, but his former club Fiorentina have refused to release him from his contract, despite being replaced as Viola manager by Paulo Sousa in June.

However, according to Sky Sport Italia, Fiorentina and Montella are now close to reaching an agreement that would allow the former Italy international to join Sampdoria, with the deal expected to be completed this afternoon.

Montella guided Fiorentina to a top-four finish in all of his three seasons with the club, before his departure this summer.