Laurent Blanc is set to become France coach after the French Football Federation reached an agreement with Bordeaux for him to take over after the World Cup finals.
The 44-year-old left Les Girondins on Sunday after a disappointing season, prompting FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes to confirm Blanc as his preferred choice to succeed Raymond Domenech after the finals in South Africa.
A statement released by the federation and Bordeaux on Thursday morning read: "The French Football Federation, its president, Jean-Pierre Escalettes and Bordeaux FC, its president and shareholder, have reached an agreement for the recruitment of Laurent Blanc as the coach of the France football team."
Blanc made it clear when he stepped down with one year remaining on his contract that he intended to accept the offer from the FFF to take the reins of the national team after this summer's World Cup.
"Bordeaux have been informed by Laurent Blanc that he wanted to answer favourably to the FFF's approaches to become the France coach," the club said in a statement.
"Bordeaux expect to hear from the FFF on the question of the compensation linked to the release of their coach."
Les Girondins indicated at the weekend that they were willing to play hard ball over a compensation package before approving the deal, with president Jean-Louis Triaud saying: "I have no intention of giving gifts to the FFF."
However, the agreement reached paves the way for Blanc to replace Domenech, who will stand down after the summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.
Source: PA
