Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli are now said to be in talks with Lebo Mothiba's former boss at Strasbourg to permanently replace Pitso Mosimane in their hot seat.
The Jeddah club has been without a manager since Mosimane left his role in June following a dispute over unpaid salaries.
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The South African tactician led the side to the Yelo League (Saudi second tier) crown, guiding the team to instant promotion to the Saudi Pro League last season after just eight months in charge.
Having won the second division title with a four-point cushion, the former Al Ahly tactician later vacated the role together with his technical team of Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon and Maahier Davids, with the ensemble having since taken charge of United Arab Emirates giants Al Wahda.
Al Ahli are yet to find a replacement for the 58-year-old, but they are believed to have begun that recruitment process after making two blockbuster signings, namely former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who joined from Chelsea for a fee of €18.5 million (R361 million).
According to L'Equipe, Al Ahli are now in talks with French manager Julien Stephan, who left Strasbourg in January this year after 58 games in charge.
Having led the Ligue 1 team to sixth spot on the table in the 2021/22 campaign, the 42-year-old was sacked when the club found itself languishing in the relegation places following one win in 17 games last season.
He has since been replaced by Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira at the helm in France.
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Al Ahli, meanwhile, are also understood to be edging closer to announcing the arrival of Algeria superstar Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
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