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Laurent Blanc likely to leave PSG, says agent Jean-Pierre Bernes

Head Coach Laurent Blanc of PSG directs his players
Image: Laurent Blanc's three-year spell with PSG may be about to come to an end

Laurent Blanc is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this week, the manager's agent told a French radio station on Monday.

Blanc has won the domestic treble in each of his last two seasons with PSG, having won the French Ligue 1 crown in all three campaigns of his tenure.

But the 50-year-old's spell at the Parc des Princes is now set to end, despite the fact he signed a new two-year contract extension in February.

Speaking to French radio station Europe 1, agent Jean-Pierre Bernes was asked if Blanc would leave by the end of the week, to which he replied: "I think so.

"We're in discussions with PSG directors and it's being done in an excellent atmosphere from both sides. Simply put, there are rules that need to be respected to end a contract and PSG are respecting those."

Paris-Saint-Germains Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic holds up the trophy after winning the French Cup final football match against Auxerre at the Stade
Image: PSG won the French domestic treble in each of the last two seasons

Unai Emery, who departed Sevilla after leading the Spanish side to three straight Europa League titles, is widely reported to be the man PSG want to replace Blanc in the French capital.

Emery, who has previously managed Valencia, Spartak Moscow and Almeria, told Sevilla of his intention to terminate his contract last week, and the Spanish media claim he has received an offer from the French champions that is too good to refuse.

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Unai Emery celebrates after Sevilla's success
Image: Unai Emery is favourite to replace Blanc at the Parc des Princes

PSG will have to pay off the final two years of Blanc's contract - reportedly worth around £15m - with his failure to progress beyond the Champions League quarter-finals last term apparently proving his undoing.

Qatari club owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi hinted earlier this month that Blanc's time was up.

Laurent Blanc, Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League press conference
Image: Blanc was unable to guide PSG beyond the Champions League quarter-finals

Al-Khelaifi was quoted by Le Parisien newspaper after being eliminated from Europe by Manchester City, saying: "The players, the coach, the management, we need turnover, a new cycle.

"This elimination is the worst moment since I came to Paris."

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