Ligue 1 side now want 46-year-old as new manager, he wanted the Leeds job this season

Nantes are keen to appoint Patrick Vieira as their new manager at the end of the season amid reports he was keen to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds United in February.

That is according to L’Equipe, who claim Nantes will look to appoint the former Crystal Palace boss this summer if they are able to remain in Ligue 1.

With three matches of the season remaining, Nantes currently sit one point adrift of safety in 17th, with four sides set to be relegated to the second tier for the first time in history.

Vieira has been out of work for around two months now following his dismissal from Palace at the end of March on the back of a 12-match winless run.

Vieira wanted Leeds job earlier this season

According to the Athletic, Vieira was keen on succeeding Marsch at Leeds earlier this season despite the fact he was still in charge at Selhurst Park.

While no contact was made between the two parties, Vieira had began to grow frustrated at Palace due to a lack of investment, and as such, was intrigued by the potential of taking over at Leeds.

Leeds eventually appointed Javi Gracia as Marsch’s replacement but he was sacked after just 11 matches following a dismal run of results in April.

According to talkSPORT, Leeds could still look to appoint Vieira at the end of the season, though whether that interest remains now following Victor Orta’s exit, remains to be seen.

If Leeds are to stay up, they would be taking another risk in appointing Vieira with the jury still very much out on his managerial abilities following his spell at Palace.

On the other hand, should Leeds go down Vieira could be a decent candidate to try seal an immediate return to the Premier League, with the Arsenal legend having got his Palace side playing some decent football at times.