Blanc hot favourite for Roma

Laurent Blanc looks set to be unveiled as Roma’s new head coach according to the Frenchman’s close friend Didier Deschamps.

According to Italian and French media, Blanc has moved to the front of a short-list of candidates that apparently also includes Lille’s head coach Rudi Garcia, ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and Marcelo Bielsa of Athletic Bilbao.

Roma had reportedly been interested in Massimiliano Allegri but after the 45-year-old Italian head coach opted to stay with AC Milan, Blanc became the capital club’s top priority and Deschamps has claimed the deal is on the verge of being finalised.

“I want to wait until it is official but I know they are on the right track with talks,” Deschamps said.

“Laurent wants a bench and a new opportunity to work.

“Roma are a good club, albeit with a particular type of pressure around them.

“If it is officially confirmed, then I’m very happy for him.”

Deschamps took over as France’s head coach from Blanc in July last year, while the duo won both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as part of the French national team.

Before taking the national job, Blanc successfully led Bordeaux to a double in 2009 winning both Ligue 1 and the Coupe de la Ligue

If the 47-year-old chooses to move to the Stadio Olimpico it will mean the end of caretaker boss Aurelio Andreazzoli’s reign.

Andreazzoli took over from Zdenek Zeman in February and guided Roma to a Coppa Italia final and 6th place in the league.