Crystal Palace have made a "last minute offer" to Nantes-bound Claudio Ranieri, according to reports in France.

Ranieri, 65, was believed to have taken over at the Ligue 1 club earlier this week, which ended speculation of the former Leicester boss joining Palace.

However, L'Equipe says the Italian coach has not signed his Nantes contract because he is holding out for an offer from the Eagles.

MORE: Crystal Palace eyeing audacious transfer swoop​

And L’Equipe said: “This delay could be explained by the fact that Ranieri has received a last-minute offer from Crystal Palace.”

Despite reports announcing Ranieri as Nantes’ new manager, the French club are yet to confirm any news.

Mauricio Pellegrino, Manuel Pellegrini and Sean Dyche are the other candidates to succeed Sam Allardyce at Selhurst Park.