Didier Deschamps leaves Marseille

Marseille have announced the departure of manager Didier Deschamps, which has increased speculation that the coach is due to take over the French national side.

The 43-year-old has been expected to leave the Ligue 1 side following a disappointing season, where the club finished in 10th place.

A statement on the club's website said: "Didier Deschamps stated his desire to leave [Marseille] and the terms of his departure were considered. In the days that followed, Mr Didier Deschamps repeatedly confirmed that he was and remained the coach of OM.

"Olympique de Marseille and Didier Deschamps have finally decided by mutual agreement not to continue working for the 2012-2013 season. [We] thank Didier Deschamps for his work for the team for three years and wish him good luck for the future."

Deschamps is the favourite to be named France's new manager following the resignation of Laurent Blanc last week.