Christophe Galtier is Napoli’s first choice to replace Luciano Spalletti

Although his departure from Paris Saint-Germain has yet to be made official by the club, there is little doubt that Christophe Galtier’s time in the French capital has come to an end this month, with the Ligue 1 champions bringing a premature end to his two-year deal.

While some reports indicate that the former Saint-Étienne and Lille coach could bounce back with a role in France, L’Équipe indicate that the double Ligue 1 champion is now Napoli’s first-choice candidate to replace title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti.

Confirming earlier reports this week from Gazzetta dello Sport, L’Équipe point out that Galtier leads a shortlist which also includes Rudi Garcia (formerly of Lille, Roma, Marseille and Lyon) and Paulo Sousa (ex-Fiorentina, Bordeaux). Although talks are still ongoing over the mutual termination of his PSG contract – he is expected to receive €6m in compensation – negotiations with the club and his legal are moving ahead as expected and an agreement is set to come in the next few days.

The move to Campania would be Galtier’s first experience of managing abroad, although he did spend a season in Italy with Monza during his playing days. Before becoming head coach at Saint-Étienne, he also had spells as an assistant manager at Al Ain and Portsmouth under Alain Perrin.