Fernandez chooses Nancy

Former Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez has turned down overtures from Marseille and Lyon to take over the vacant managerial position at Nancy.

Fernandez’s five-year tenure at Auxerre ended at the conclusion of the 2010/11 Ligue 1 season, freeing him to take over at Nancy following the departure of Pablo Correa.

The 56-year-old was reportedly being heavily courted by French heavyweights Marseille and Lyon, but has opted for a fresh challenge at the Lorraine club, who finished 13th – four points clear of the drop zone – in the last campaign.

A statement on Nancy’s official website said: “Courted by several clubs, Jean Fernandez has finally chosen Nancy.”

“This is great news for the club, who made it their priority to find a successor to Pablo Correa.”

Fernandez was named France’s manager of the year in 2009/10 for guiding Auxerre to the Champions League. He led the club to a ninth-place finish in the last campaign.

Runners-up Marseille are reportedly losing patience with Didier Deschamps, who has not yet committed to a new contract amid rumoured interest from Roma.

Lyon, who finished third in 2010/11, are still debating the future of Claude Puel.