France: Lyon denied reports they have contacted Laurent Blanc

Lyon have denied a French newspaper report that they have approached Laurent Blanc to replace under-pressure coach Bruno Genesio.

President Jean-Michel Aulas last week revealed that the club will not offer Genesio a contract extension before the end of the season, having been prepared to give him a two-year deal had the club reached the final of the Coupe de France.

However, Lyon were beaten 3-2 by Rennes at home in a thrilling semi-final, meaning Genesio did not meet the requirements for an extension, which were a place in the Stade de France showpiece and a top-three spot in Ligue 1.

Lyon are in third, six points clear of their nearest challengers and rivals Saint-Etienne in the race for Champions.

French newspaper L'Equipe suggested that Lyon had contacted Blanc – who has been out of work since leaving PSG in 2016 –but the club released a statement strenuously denying the claims.