Roberto De Zerbi has re-emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Marseille.

Media sources close to the French club are confident there is genuine interest in hiring the Italian.

De Zerbi revealed ahead of Albion’s 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome in October that he almost became Marseille coach in 2022.

Sergio Conceicao, who recently left FC Porto, had appeared close to taking over at Marseille in recent days.

However, that has now seemingly stalled and sources including L’Equipe and La Provence were this morning willing to confirm suggestions from Italy that OM are in talks with De Zerbi.

Albion would receive compensation thought to be about £5 million should another club wish to appoint De Zerbi.

OM finished outside the European places last season.

But De Zerbi made it clear during his time at Albion that playing in European football was not a condition for him when deciding whether he would stay at the club or move on.

L’Equipe reported the next few hours will be decisive but that Marseille firmly believe in the possibility of De Zerbi taking charge.

La Provence appeared to think it might be a ploy to put pressure on Conceicao over making a decision but later reported De Zerbi to be in pole position.

Speaking ahead of the 2-2 draw at Marseille last season, De Zerbi confirmed he almost became their head coach.

He told the eve-of-match press conference: “It’s true, there was the possibility to come here and for me it was a great solution but we didn’t find the agreement with the club.

“I was sorry because this stadium, these fans are a big motivation for me.

“But for me it was better maybe because I found another big team, another stadium and I am living a great experience.”