Ranieri could be headed to Nantes

Cape Town - Claudio Ranieri "may" be on the Nantes shortlist as they search for a new head coach, chairman Waldermar Kita has revealed.

The Ligue 1 side are on the lookout for a new manager after Sergio Conceicao left for Portuguese side Porto at the completion of their season.

Conceicao had saved Nantes from relegation and secured a seventh placed finish.

With Ranieri out of a job after being sacked by Leicester City this season, he is reported to be waiting on the right offer to get back into football.

A cryptic Kita told CNews: "Ranieri may be on the shortlist."

He added that Southampton manager Claude Puel, who is expected to part ways with the Saints, was, meanwhile, ruled out.

Kita further revealed: "I inquired about Puel. He goes to another club.

"Laurent Blanc, no. A Portuguese coach? There is one in the short list. There are Frenchmen, I will not reveal their names."

Franck Passi is currently the club's interim boss.