Lille have confirmed tonight that manager Rudi Garcia is in talks to become the new coach of Serie A giants Roma.
The Giallorossi have been searching for a new manager since their campaign ended with a disastrous Coppa Italia final defeat to bitter rivals Lazio.
Interim coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has failed to earn the job permanently, with Massimiliano Allegri and Laurent Blanc among a lengthy list of coaches linked to the job in recent weeks.
Garcia has been shortlisted and began talks with Roma about the post last weekend, after being given permission to open discussions by Lille.
The French club's sporting director Frederic Paquet told RMC Sport: "We are aware Garcia is negotiating with another side.
"The coach informed us about the talks with this club and we want things will go positively for everyone. We are ready to let him go.
"Will the affair be closed in next 48 hours? I don't know. What is sure is that everyone wants it to go positively. Everything will be clearer when we will talk with Rudi."
The 49-year-old has been charge at Lille since 2008, winning both Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in a largely successful spell in charge.
Liam Power
