Roberto De Zerbi is set to take charge at Marseille (Picture: Getty)
French club Marseille have reached an agreement in principle to appoint Roberto de Zerbi following his exit from Brighton.
The Italian announced his departure from the Seagulls on the final weekend of the campaign last season.
De Zerbi spent close to two years on the south coast and became one of the most coveted coaches in Europe.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk boss was linked with roles at Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool.
But Ligue 1 club Marseille confirmed on Monday that they are finalising a deal to appoint the Italian.
De Zerbi spent nearly two seasons at Brighton. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
‘The club is currently working with all parties involved to formalise the arrival of the Italian coach and his staff on the OM bench, and to prepare for his arrival in Marseille in the coming days,’ read a club statement.
De Zerbi will succeed Jean-Louis Gasset, who left the club and retired from football at the end of last season.
Marseille finished eighth last season – their lowest league finish since 2016.
De Zerbi guided Brighton to sixth during his first season at the club.
It meant European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
However, their Europa League campaign and an injury crisis impacted the Seagulls’ league form last term.
Brighton finished 11th last season.
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