NYCFC boss Vieira rejects Saint-Etienne links

New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne.

Les Verts are without a manager after the influential Christophe Galtier resigned at season's end after a seven-year spell, and reports in France have shortlisted Vieira for the appointment alongside former Leicester City gaffer Claudio Ranieri and current RB Salzburg boss Oscar Garcia.

Related: Saint-Etienne manager Galtier to quit in summer

Vieira is having none of it, and when asked if he was in for the "long project" with the second-year MLS outfit, told the New York Post, "Of Course."

"The only thing is you can't control reports from journalists," the former Arsenal tough-tackler added.

Understood to be part of a long-term plan at NYCFC, Vieira has been successful since taking over for Jason Kreis a year and a half ago. After guiding the club to a maiden playoff appearance in its debut season, Vieira boasts a 22-15-2 record for the side tipped to challenge Toronto FC for the Eastern Conference crown.

With a coaching pedigree that's beginning to mirror the exploits of a celebrated career for both club and country, Vieira concedes that he's no stranger to rumours, but is no less interested in what he is building at Yankee Stadium amid the speculation.

"The thing is that it is a really interest project and I am into it. I love every single day of it. Speculation is part of our world and I get used to it."