Tuesday, 25th June, 2013
A signature is all that remains between Paris Saint-Germain and Laurent Blanc becoming their new manager, with formalities expected to be completed today, according to L’Equipe.
Blanc is understood to be in Paris at the moment to complete the process of becoming Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, reportedly on a two-year deal.
His arrival means Ancelotti will be free to join Real Madrid at last, with the Italian eagerly awaited in the Spanish capital by no less than club president Florentino Perez.
A television station run by PSG’s owners, beIN Sport, had revealed as early as last week that Blanc was favourite to take on the Parc des Princes job.
relatedNewsStory
Blanc, meanwhile, will have the unenviable task of continuing PSG’s reign as Ligue 1 champions within his limited time frame, which had been a bone of contention for many other names on the wishlist.
PSG had been courting, among others, Andre Villas-Boas, Michael Laudrup, Guus Hiddink and Fabio Capello, all of whom were understood to be unhappy with the short-term nature of the contract on offer.
Blanc, however, will be delighted to be back amongst the footballing elite, having been out of work since June last year, when he exited following France’s Euro 2012 campaign.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United player, who led Bordeaux to the league title in only his second season in charge had revealed yesterday that he was certain to sign with PSG.
A meeting was held yesterday, but club CEO Jean-Claude Blanc was quoted by L’Equipe as saying: "Laurent Blanc was not at the Parc des Princes and [the signing] has not happened today (Monday)."
However, it appears the signing on the dotted line is a mere formality, with PSG’s leadership set to confirm the appointment today.
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
