Deschamps nearing position as France's coach

PARIS (AP) -- Didier Deschamps is a step closer to becoming France's new coach after holding talks with French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet on Saturday.

Deschamps has been considered favorite for the job since former coach Laurent Blanc turned down a new contract offer, shortly after France was beaten by Spain in the European Championship quarterfinals.

The FFF said in a statement on Saturday that Deschamps and Le Graet "had a discussion about eventual terms'' for the "position of France coach.''

As a player, the 43-year-old Deschamps captained France to glory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and was Marseille's captain when it won the Champions League in 1993.

Deschamps recently quit as Marseille coach after winning one league title and a record three straight League Cups.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.