Ranieri likely to be axed

Claudio Ranieri is set to pay the price for
Monaco's trophy-less season by being axed
as coach at the end of the season.
The principality club are looking for a new
boss as they prepare to make a concerted
challenge to the growing dominance in
France of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as
establish themselves as a force in Europe.
Ranieri, who took over in 2012, steered
Monaco to promotion to Ligue 1 in his first
season at the helm and they currently lie
second in the top flight. However, their
French Cup semi-final defeat to Guingamp
on Wednesday night means they will end
the campaign without a major honour.
The Monaco hierarchy, led by Russian
oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, have decided to
dispense with Ranieri as they set their
sights on a coach who can make even more
of the club's vast resources.
With Rybolovlev's backing, a huge
recruitment drive has brought a series of
marquee players to the Stade Louis II,
including Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho,
Dimitar Berbatov, Jeremy Toulalan, James
Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal.
The Monaco board had hoped that the
team could present a greater challenge to
league leaders PSG, who are 10 points clear
in Ligue 1 with five matches remaining.
Ranieri's job will be regarded as a plum
post around Europe, with super-agent Jorge
Mendes, who represents Falcao, Moutinho,
Rodriguez and Carvalho, expected to be an
influential voice in the selection of a
successor.
Goal understands that former West Brom
boss Steve Clarke is among those ready to
throw their names into the hat to replace
Ranieri.
Since being sacked by Chelsea in 2004, the
62-year-old Italian has coached Valencia,
Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter as well as
Monaco.