Club publish statement on Leeds manager target, have rejected 47-year-old’s request

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Lorient have published a statement on the future of manager Regis Le Bris – amid reports that both Leeds United and OGC Nice want to land the impressive Frenchman. They confirm they have rejected his request to leave Lorient.

Le Bris, 47, has starred in what is his first season in senior management. Working for Lorient for the past 11 years in a number of different roles, he was given the job as manager last summer after Lorient finished in 16th in 2021-22.

Despite losing a number of key players both last summer and in January – such as Terem Moffi to Nice – Lorient finished in an impressive 10th place, under Le Bris. The Sun say Leeds have taken note, and are considering a move.

Meanwhile, RMC say Nice have an agreement with Le Bris. But, that compensation is yet to be agreed. Journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter claims a fee of £4.3m is needed. The latest development comes from Lorient themselves.

Indeed, they posted a statement in the early hours of the morning to confirm that Le Bris had approached his side’s board over the possibility of leaving – despite signing a new deal until 2027. However, that has now been rejected.

“Although he recently extended his contract until 2027 for him and his staff, Régis Le Bris spoke with his president about the wish to terminate it after eleven years of service at FC Lorient,” the statement from Lorient read today.

“After consulting the Board of Directors, the vital forces of the club and partners, FC Lorient took the decision not to release him from his contract. We are counting on him to maintain and develop the good dynamic shown in 22-23.”

Lorient publish statement on Le Bris future amid Leeds United reports

Le Bris looks like the real deal. Yes, he is managing a club that he clearly holds dear in his heart having worked for Lorient for so long. That, and it is only his first year in management at this level. But, he is showing positive signs.

Can Leeds convince him to swap his home country? It’ll be a surprise. Nice are the ones likely to win the three-way race between Lorient, Leeds and Nice themselves. A big club, with money to spend and European aspirations.