Julen Lopetegui’s imminent West Ham move paves the way for Marseille’s pursuit of Paulo Fonseca | OneFootball

According to Foot Mercato, Lille manager Paulo Fonseca is the leading candidate to become the new Marseille manager at the end of the season. This pursuit has been aided by West Ham turning their interest elsewhere as they look set to appoint Julien Lopetegui despite previously being interested in Fonseca.

Marseille are searching for their next permanent manager to succeed their previous manager Gennaro Gattuso who was sacked earlier in the season. Jean-Louis Gasset was handed the reigns at the Stade Vélodrome until the end of the season and could yet guide OM to European glory with the club in the final four of the Europa League against Benfica.

It’s not a secret that Fonseca has been a target for Marseille but they now appear to be ramping up their interest in the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager. However, two other candidates are being considered if they fail in their pursuit of Fonseca. A foreign coach and a French coach make up OM’s final shortlist, according to Foot Mercato.

Other candidates ruled out

Marseille have now focused their pursuits on a shortened list meaning some other candidates have been ruled out. Former PSG manager Christophe Galtier has been ruled out as a contender at the Stade Vélodrome. Also, Italian coaches Maurizio Sarri and Vincenzo Italiano are no longer in the running.

GFFN | Liam Wraith