Russian Premier League outfit Zenit St. Petersburg have named Manchester United head scout Javier Ribalta as the club’s new sporting director.

His appointment was confirmed by Zenit earlier on Tuesday after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal until the end of the 2020/21 season.

The 37-year-old leaves Old Trafford after just 13 months in his post having joined from Italian champions Juventus where he spent five years and was known for making shrewd signings.

On his new job, the Spaniard said: “I am very happy that I have become part of such a club.”

“I have seen the victorious photos that adorn the Zenit offices and I want the club to be able to feel these emotions once again.” He concluded.