TFC-linked coach Laurent Blanc joins Qatari club Al-Rayyan SC

Laurent Blanc is out of the running to become Toronto FC's new head coach after agreeing to join Qatari club Al-Rayyan SC on Saturday.

The Major League Soccer club was reportedly expecting to interview Blanc after identifying the former Paris Saint-Germain manager as one of their top candidates to replace Greg Vanney.

However, an offer to coach in Qatar was Blanc's preference in the end. The 55-year-old now gets set to return to the touchline for the first time since 2016.

TFC have been without a head coach since Vanney stepped down earlier in December. The 2017 MLS Cup champions have also been linked to former New York City FC and Nice manager Patrick Vieira.