FC Nantes is reportedly close to securing the services of Dunkerque head coach Luis Castro to fill their managerial position, according to reports from France. The club, known as *Les Canaris*, has been searching for a new manager since Antoine Kombouaré was dismissed following the conclusion of the Ligue 1 season.
The Portuguese coach has reportedly been identified by Nantes as the prime candidate to lead the eight-time French champions. Discussions between Castro and Nantes officials are understood to have progressed positively, with the parties said to have reached an agreement in principle.
Castro is reported to have met with Nantes executives on Tuesday morning and made a strong positive impression. The 45-year-old recently guided Dunkerque to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France and a respectable fourth-place finish in Ligue 2. Sources suggest that Castro has prioritized a move to Nantes, especially given that Lens, who were also thought to be interested, now appear set to appoint Pierre Sage instead.
As Castro remains under contract with Dunkerque until 2027, Nantes is now required to negotiate a compensation package with the club known as the `Seasiders` in order to finalize the move.
