Nicollin: We would welcome Diego

Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin says that he would be open to talks with Diego Maradona about becoming the next manager of the French side.

Current boss Rene Girard's contract is due to expire in June and reports suggest he will depart the club after leading them to the Ligue 1 title last season.

Maradona is currently out of work and Nicollin admitted that he would welcome a meeting with the 52-year old.

"I know for weeks that Maradona is thinking to coach in Europe and maybe with us. If he wants to come and talk with us, we would welcome him with pleasure; we are in contact with his representatives. I am very keen to meet him," the chairman told L'Equipe.

"If he would accept for the minimum wages, we would hire him. I would find him a villa, it is out of the question to make him live in my house, otherwise if he comes to talk, we would prepare a nice press conference and I want more journalists than for the David Beckham press conference in Paris."

The Argentine's agent, Youssef Haijoub, revealed that the Montpellier post is something which interests Maradona too.

"Maradona almost signed in Iraq, but refused for security reasons. Since he is not managing Al-Wasl, he really wants to work in Europe. He had first contact with Italian and English sides, but he is attracted by Montpellier," he said in an interview with L'Equipe.

"It is a club with history, trophies and several South American players in its group. He told me: 'Youssef, rush on with it and work fine on that case.' Mr Nicollin is attracted too and I am convinced they could get on very fine together."