Marcelo Bielsa 'agrees to take Marseille job from next season'

Marseille president Vincent Labrune has revealed that former Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa has agreed to take charge at the Stade Velodrome in the summer.

The French outfit, who are sixth in the Ligue 1 table and five points adrift of European qualification, have been under the guidance of sporting director Jose Anigo since parting company with Elie Baup in December.

Anigo, though, has no ambitions to take on the managerial role full-time and has instead been helping in the search for a permanent solution, which now appears likely to be the out-of-work Bielsa.

Labrune stressed that no contract has officially been signed, but could not hide his excitement at the prospect of Bielsa, who led Bilbao to the 2011 Europa League final, taking the Marsielle helm next season.

"In spirit, we have an agreement with Marcelo Bielsa," Labrune told L'Equipe. "We are in agreement on the sporting project. We have an agreement in principle which is now subject to the drafting of contracts.

"Without getting caught up in absolute euphoria, we are confident that the issue will be wrapped up. I can say we will have a very good coach for next season."

Bielsa has also managed Argentina and Chile at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups respectively.