Former Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez is a candidate for the Nantes job.

Nantes and Claudio Ranieri announced on Thursday that the Italian would be leaving the Ligue 1 club at the end of this season.

And 20 Minutes reports Nantes chairman Waldemir Kita met with Gerard both on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the manager's job.

Kita was impressed by Gerard's knowledge of Nantes and the homework he'd done on the club ahead of their meetings.

Gerard was sacked by Barca B last month as they face Segunda Liga relegation.