Vincenzo Montella replaces Eduardo Berizzo at Sevilla as manager

Vincenzo Montella has reached an agreement in principle to take over as Sevilla head coach.

The experienced Italian replaces Eduardo Berizzo, who was sacked just a month after it was announced he was suffering from prostate cancer.

Montella was sacked by AC Milan in November after just 17 months in charge with the club marooned in mid-table.

"Sevilla and Italian coach Vincenzo Montella have reached an agreement in principle so that he will become coach of the Sevilla first team until June 2019," the La Liga club said on Thursday.

"The deal will be completed once Montella's lawyers have reached an agreement with AC Milan for the terms of departure of the coach from the Rossoneri.

"Once his departure is finalised, Montella will travel to Seville on Friday night to sign his contract with the club. He will lead the team in training on Saturday morning before being formally presented."

The 43-year-old former Italy international has also coached Roma, Catania, Fiorentina and Sampdoria.

He joins a Sevilla side who are fifth in La Liga, 16 points behind leaders Barcelona. They face Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 next year.

Sevilla are not in action again until they face Cadiz in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on January 3.