Claudio Ranieri has reportedly agreed to become the new manager of Nantes – and Leeds United fans on Twitter crossed him off as a contender for the vacant post at their club.
The Mail claim that Ranieri has reached an agreement to take over at the Ligue 1 club but his appointment has been held up because of a French FA rule preventing clubs from hiring managers over the age of 65, a landmark reached by the Italian last October.
Nantes say they value the experience and pedigree of the much-travelled manager, who famously steered Leicester City to the Premier League title 12 months ago.
Ranieri’s calibre and availability made him an early contender for the Leeds as speculation swirled that he would be interviewed for the job.
Ranieri was the 3/1 favourite with Sky Bet last Tuesday to become the next Leeds manger, narrowly ahead of current Elland Road assistant manager Pep Clotet, who was priced 7/4 at that same time.
But the Italian’s price has subsequently narrowed and he drifted to the bottom of the bookmakers’ list following Tuesday’s reports, which came as a blow to many of the Elland Road faithful.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
I presume Ranieri was off the radar anyway #lufc
— Chris Jones (@ChrisJones28) June 13, 2017
Looks like Leeds have missed out on Claudio Ranieri as manager.. Would love to have had him as manager.. #lufc #mot
— Ryan (@LeedsUtdRyan) June 12, 2017
Well thats another big ? in #LUFC search for a new manager as Claudio #Ranieri has agreed terms to become the next head coach of #Nantes.
— Mall-Dogg17 (@theemalldogg) June 12, 2017
Remember when we thought we were getting Claudia Ranieri ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????#lufc pic.twitter.com/bF1b3Qt9kx
— kinel fire leeds (@loveleedsh8ken) June 12, 2017
Ranieri signs a 2 year deal with FC Nante #lufc Scrub him from the list of potentials then
— Dominic O’Malley (@DominicDonc) June 12, 2017
No Ranieri for #lufc https://t.co/5yzWNaUt7w
— James Howson (@BigJimmy_V) June 12, 2017
Ranieri memorably won the Premier League in his first season as manager of Leicester, and led them through the Champions League group stage last year.
However, he was sacked in February after a slump in league form left them in relegation danger.
Ranieri has previously managed all over Europe, including at Fiorentina, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus, Monaco and the Greece national team.
He is now keen to return to the French league, and Nantes have asked for the French FA to waive their usual age rules for managers. This has been done before, when Lens were allowed to appoint veteran coach Guy Roux.