Claudio Ranieri set to take over at Nantes after league clearance

Claudio Ranieri had been in talks with Crystal Palace over the manager's job

Claudio Ranieri is close to taking the manager's job at French top-flight club Nantes, according to their chairman.

Ranieri, who lifted the Premier League with Leicester just over a year ago, needed French Football Federation (FFF) clearance, due to rules preventing over 65s taking new jobs.

Italian Ranieri turned 65 last October and the league gave that clearance on Tuesday.

Ranieri won the Premier League little more than a year ago

Ranieri had been in talks with Crystal Palace over their vacant manager's job and wanted to return to the Premier League, but Nantes chief Waldemar Kita told French radio: "The league are in agreement.

"I believe that it's only the French Football Federation, with Mr [Raymond] Domenech [the LFP president], who are blocking the signing a little. I don't know the reason why.

Nantes finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season with 14 wins

"What interests us is his experience as a footballer and a coach. We know very well that he has coached the biggest teams in Europe."

Sky in Italy believe Ranieri, who lifted the Premier League title with Leicester little more than a year ago, has agreed a two-year contract with Nantes at £4.4m per season.

The former Leicester boss wants to return to management next season The former Leicester boss wants to return to management next season

Nantes finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season with 51 points and 14 wins from 38 games.