Nicolas Usaï in pole position to replace Karel Geraerts at Reims | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Nicolas Usaï, the former Pau coach, is close to agreeing to take charge of Stade de Reims once Karel Geraerts' exit is finalised.

Geraerts' spell at Reims is not expected to continue beyond this season, even if discussions over the terms of his departure mean nothing is official yet. The club finished sixth and are not involved in the promotion play-offs.

Reims have explored several options, including Olivier Dall'Oglio, who was a finalist for the job last summer against the Belgian coach. The former Saint-Étienne manager has not heard from the Reims hierarchy recently. Usaï, however, appears to be the front-runner.

Usaï left Pau by mutual consent in late January. The Marseille-born coach has previously worked at Sedan, Châteauroux, Nîmes and Orléans, and has taken time to recharge and assess his next move.

He has drawn enquiries from two Ligue 1 strugglers, six Ligue 2 sides and clubs in Belgium, including Red Star, who are said to be braced for Grégory Poirier's departure. For Usaï, matters are understood to have quickened on Tuesday, to the point that an agreement may have been reached. The 52-year-old could travel to Champagne early next week.

Source: L'Équipe