Former Torino coach, Walter Mazzarri and Sevilla coach, Jorge Sampaoli have been named as potential replacements for André Villas-Boas at Olympique de Marseille.

Mazarri is currently unemployed, while Sampaoli currently manages of Clube Atlético Mineiro. According to reports, the Italian coach is enticed by the Marseille project.

Meanwhile, Mazarri is also being courted by Napoli. Genarro Gattusso might be sacked after the next two games.

According to recent reports, if Marseille gives him the job, he could arrive with his backroom staff which include Fabrizio Ravanelli, a former Marseille striker.

Marseille had suspended Portuguese manager, Villas-Boas, who had tendered his resignation over sporting decisions made by the club signing a player without his knowledge.

Marseille Sporting Director, Pablo Longoria has been making frantic effort to replace Villas-Boas as it seemed their relationship has gone sour. He was caught off guard by the early departure of the former Chelsea coach.

Other candidates mentioned for the job includes Lucien Favre, Rafael Benitez and Abel Ferreira. However, French media reports that his main aim is former Juve coach, Maurizio Sarri. It was gathered that the former Chelsea boss is not interested in taking over at a club in the middle of the season.

This might make the Ligue 1 club to employ a manager that will hold the stead till the end of the season.

But the latest development said Longoria has turned his attention to Sampaoli. It was gathered that there has been regular contacts between both parties.

His current contract with the Brazilian club runs out in December 31, 2021. However, the Argentine would not be available until February 26, the date the Brazilian league season ends.

Should in case Sampaoli failed to join the Ligue 1 side, Marseille could go for Roberto Donadoni, who has been proposed to the club.

In the coming days, Marseille is expecting to announce its new manager.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed