Report: NYCFC's Vieira in demand at Nantes, Nice
Hands up if you're a Ligue 1 club that fancies hiring current New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira.
A summer after being linked with the top spot at Saint-Etienne and Rennes, the former Arsenal midfield marauder is now reportedly on the shortlist for a position with Nantes and Nice.
Two of France's biggest outlets are sending mixed messages about Vieira's intentions.
L'Equipe reports Nantes president Waldemar Kita confirmed Vieira is in contention for the job after Claudio Ranieri's year in charge came to an end on Thursday. "We're thinking about everyone," Kita offered when asked about Vieira. "I don't have a preference. I want good guys." Ligue 1 journalists Robin Bairner and Matt Spiro have also reported on the link.
Related: Ranieri leaving Nantes after 1 year in charge
Former Barcelona reserve boss Gerard Lopez and ex-Bordeaux gaffer Jocelyn Gourvennec have also been linked with a summer switch to the Stade de la Beaujoire, per ESPN FC.
However, according to France Football, Vieira is eyeing the sun and sand of the Cote d'Azur rather than the quaint scenery of the Pays de la Loire region. With current Nice boss Lucien Favre reportedly close to joining Borussia Dortmund, it is suggested Vieira is in advanced discussions with Les Aiglons following a positive introductory meeting.
Vieira, 41, has been in charge of NYCFC since replacing inaugural manager Jason Kreis in November 2015. It is his maiden first-team appointment after coaching Manchester City's reserve team in 2013. The captain of Arsenal's famed 2003-04 Invincibles side, Vieira was reportedly left disappointed at the north London side's recent "token gesture" in contacting him as it looks to fill the vacancy left by Arsene Wenger's exit.