Manchester City will battle to keep hold of coach Patrick Vieira if France attempt to install him as their new head coach, Football Express News understands.
Current national team boss Didier Deschamps finds himself under pressure after seeing his side crash out of the World Cup following a lacklustre 1-0 loss to rivals Germany at the quarter-final stage yesterday.
His contract has another two years to run, meaning he is in line to lead France into the European Championships in 2016, when they will be the host nation.
However, a source close to the Etihad Stadium told FEN the Blues are bracing themselves for an enquiry about Vieira’s availability as the inquest into the French side’s limp exit from the competition continues.
The club insider revealed Premier League champions City will do everything in their power to retain the 38-year-old’s services, although they are fully aware of his emotional connection to his compatriots.
He starred for France’s golden generation in the previous decade, winning a host of trophies along the way.
The City source told FEN: “Patrick is viewed as a future first-team manager at the club, so the last thing anyone wants is to see him leave.
“His work with the Elite Development Squad has not gone unnoticed with the powers-that-be so they will fight tooth and nail to keep him here.”