Andy Murray could add French coach Loic Courteau to his team after the Australian Open

French coach Loic Courteau looks set to join Andy Murray's backroom team from the start of next season.

Courteau has held discussions with Murray’s coach Amelie Mauresmo - who replaced Ivan Lendl in the role last summer - over a full-time position after next month's Australian Open.

The 50-year-old told French sports daily l'Equipe: "A few weeks ago, I had discussions with Amelie, who spoke with Andy. I had not been able to talk directly with him.

The plan was to work with Murray in the year, with a base in England. For the moment, it does not happen, but I'm not saying it will not happen.

"It (the plan) was to work with him in the year, with a base in England. For the moment, it does not happen. I'm not saying it will not happen, because I do not know.”

Murray parted company with two long-serving members of his team last month - Dani Vallverdu, his long-time friend who became an assistant coach under Lendl, and physical trainer Jez Green.

'Make me an offer'

Courteau said he is unable to commit to anything until after Australian Open, as he is currently coaching world No 25 Julien Benneteau, but did not rule out working with the Scot in the future. 

"At the Australian Open, I will be with Julien,” he said. “Today it is a very interesting challenge to lead Murray and, in addition, with Amelie, it is fabulous.

"It would be necessary for Murray to make me an offer that I can't refuse to go there. I talked straight to Julien. Anyway, with his experience, Julien could even go alone. If he was not autonomous, it would mean that I did a bad job."

Murray will spend Christmas in the UK before heading to Dubai on Saturday ahead of his first event of the season, an exhibition in Abu Dhabi which features Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.