Nicolas Sarkozy should face trial along with aides on charges that his unsuccessful re-election campaign received illegal funding, French prosecutors reportedly recommended on Monday.

The move is a major blow to the former French president's hopes to run for re-election next year just days after he announced his decision to join the race in a book.

His lawyer claimed he was the target of a "crude" political smear campaign.

Mr Sarkozy was already under formal investigation in the affair, and prosecutors feel there is sufficient evidence against him and 13 others, for the case to go to trial.