Blanc stepped down as Bordeaux coach this morning, making it clear as he did so that he intended to accept the offer from the France Football Federation to take the reigns of the national team after this summer's World Cup.

But in confirming Blanc's departure, Bordeaux hit out at the FFF's public courting of their man, claiming it created a rash of speculation which subsequently hurt Les Girondins' season as a second-half collapse saw them lose their Ligue 1 crown.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux have just been informed by their coach Laurent Blanc that he wants to accept the offer from the FFF to become France coach," a club statement said.

"The club wanted to keep Laurent Blanc as coach of the first team until the end of his contract on June 30, 2011.

"Given the special quality of the relationship with the coach during his three years at the club, and the excellent work by Mr Blanc, his assistant Mr (Jean-Louis) Gasset, and his coaching team, FC Girondins de Bordeaux has agreed to talk to the FFF on the question of compensation relating to the release of our coach.

"Despite the damaging statements from members of the FFF, which have undoubtedly affected the end of the 2009/10 season and beyond, FC Girondins de Bordeaux express their willingness to reach a solution acceptable to the club, respectful of its interests and the damage suffered."

Bordeaux had looked in good shape to defend their crown as the Ligue 1 season moved into the final stretch, but they won only one of four matches in March, and then lost five and drew one in April as their lead disappeared.

They were also knocked out of the Champions League by French rivals Lyon along the way, having to settle for sixth in the league, a position which entails no European football.

Bordeaux are due to give a press conference tomorrow, though club director Nicolas de Tavernost today said that Blanc's release from the club was conditional only on the club reaching an agreement with the FFF.

"For now, we have received no official notification from him," he said in L'Equipe. "Nothing is settled."

De Tavernost again complained about the behaviour of the FFF, who issued a statement today in the wake of Blanc's announcement that only further angered Bordeaux.

De Tavernost said the FFF's behaviour was "not normal".

"And it continues to be so, as they issued a statement without even calling us. It's quite amazing," he added.

That statement came from FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, who confirmed he wanted to wrap up a deal with Blanc as soon as possible.

"I take note of the decision announced today by Laurent Blanc, the day after the last day of the Ligue 1 season, officially declaring his interest for the position of national coach," Escalettes said.

"Blanc spoke to me on the telephone after informing his president and his players.

"This declaration of interest makes me happy. His sporting history, his personality, his charisma, makes Blanc the ideal fit for the profile of the coach of the France team beyond the World Cup.

"In the coming hours, the FFF will take the necessary steps with the relevant parties to define the terms of an agreement allowing Laurent Blanc to take control of the national team next season."

If a deal can be reached with both Blanc and Bordeaux, he is likely to be confirmed as Domenech's successor at either a meeting of the FFF's federal council on May 20 or their general meeting on May 29.

Blanc spent three seasons at Bordeaux, finishing second in his first campaign before winning the league and Coupe de la Ligue double in his second campaign.

He won 97 caps as a player with France, and was a member of the World Cup winning squad in 1998, albeit missing out on the final itself thanks to a suspension which came as a result of Slaven Bilic's play-acting in the semi-final against Croatia.

He played for Montpellier, Barcelona, Marseille, Inter Milan and Manchester United in a distinguished career.

Domenech guided France to the 2006 World Cup final but has been deeply unpopular in France due to his side's indifferent recent results, most notably at Euro 2008 where they finished last in their group.