Paris Saint-Germain announce departure of head coach Laurent Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain have announced the departure of head coach Laurent Blanc following a three-year spell at Parc des Princes.

It was widely reported at the end of the season that the 50-year-old would leave his job, despite guiding the club to their second successive domestic treble by winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue.

Club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi is believed to have decided to make a change after the club were beaten by Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League - the fourth successive time that the French outfit have exited that stage of the competition.

A statement from Al-Khelaifi today read: "As we embark on a new chapter in the development of the club, I would like to thank Laurent Blanc for everything he has achieved over the last three years, both in terms of the playing style and results. I wish him the best for his future challenges."

The departure has fuelled reports that Sevilla boss Unai Emery is on the verge of taking the position from Blanc, who won 11 trophies during his time in charge of PSG.

Reports in France claimed last week that Blanc negotiated a €20m (£16.7m) compensation package with the top-flight club, who have also parted company with assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and head fitness trainer Philippe Lambert.