SAINTS fans were hit with surprise reports suggesting that boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is on Norwich's three-man shortlist for the vacant manager job.

The Austrian boss had also been linked to Aston Villa after they sacked Dean Smith following their 1-0 loss at St Mary's. 

But Sky Sports reported that Hasenhuttl was one of three bottom-of-the-table Norwich wanted to talk to, to replace sacked Daniel Farke.

It has prompted some funny reactions on social media, as well as plenty of supporters dismissing the reports outright. 

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Norwich have won just one game this season, last weekend versus Brentford - Farke's last in charge - and look set to go back down to the Championship. 

Daily Echo: Aston Villa's former gaffer Dean Smith is also linked (Pic: Stuart Martin)Aston Villa's former gaffer Dean Smith is also linked (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The report did admit it would be a 'long-shot', with the other two candidates more likely.

Whomever takes over at Carrow Road will land themselves in a tough job, with Frank Lampard and ex-Villa Smith also on the reported shortlist.

After reading the report, our Daily Echo readers said: 

AndyT in Salt Lake City, USA: Why would he want to go there? I believe Ralph will be loyal to Saints for a long time after the club stood by him after the 9-0 defeats. 

DealSaint: Think Sky are having a laugh!

Bigfella: 1 "word" – LOL

CanuckSaint: Lampard with Terry to Villa as a double act, Chris Hughton to take over, again, at Norwich. I'm surprised Ralph wasn't in the frame for Newcastle to be honest.

HB Saint: Obviously an unlikely scenario but I for one would be happy to see Ralph leave. If he took Ward Prowse with him as well, then Christmas will have come early.

But R.A.Zimmerman replied: Be careful what you wish for.

Bloemies: I think Dean Smith will probably go to Norwich. RH has built the nucleus of a top ten team. I doubt that he would want to start all over elsewhere, given what he has achieved thus far. Trust in Ralph.

A Touch of Grey: Eddie had been favourite for every job going (including Ralphs) so now he's spoken for the media have to throw the net of ludicrous speculation even further.

StevenAus: Hilarious

On Twitter, supporters said: