Spanish coach Michel has been appointed by Marseille as the successor to Marcelo Bielsa, the French club announced on Wednesday.

"It is official. Jose Miguel Gonzalez del Campo is the coach of OM," Marseille announced on their Twitter feed with a picture of Michel holding an OM shirt alongside president Vincent Labrune.

Michel had been seen earlier on Wednesday in discussions with Labrune and other members of the club's hierarchy.

Marseille did not confirm the length of the deal agreed with the 52-year-old former Spanish international winger, who won 66 caps, but local newspaper La Provence earlier reported that he could sign a two-year contract at the Stade Velodrome.

"Very pleased. From the first contact I found the prospect of coaching this team exciting. I have been in touch with the president over the last 10 days but everything seems to have gone very quickly," Michel said in an interview on Marseille's official website.

"This club...has a great history and we want to keep writing it. I know it is a bit of a difficult time but I'm very proud to be the coach of this team.

"I like the squad. There are lots of talented players and young players. I want the players to be happy and enjoy playing for this team. I have seen their first two matches and four pre-season friendlies. I know the squad very well."

Michel was a star in the great Real Madrid team of the mid 1980s and early 1990s -- which saw them win five successive league titles and two UEFA Cup trophies.

As a coach, he worked at Rayo Vallecano and took charge of the Real Madrid B team before leading Getafe to a best-ever sixth place in 2010.

He had a disappointing spell at Sevilla but had a successful stint at Olympiakos, winning two Greek titles and a Greek Cup before being sacked earlier this year.

Marseille have endured a difficult start to the new season, losing their opening two matches 1-0.

Bielsa resigned immediately after the defeat to Caen on the opening weekend of the season, with his assistant Franck Passi taking charge for the loss at Reims last Sunday.

Passi will remain a part of Michel's coaching staff as the team prepare for their next match, at home to newly-promoted Troyes on Sunday.

By the time that game comes around, OM could have a new signing on board in the shape of France international midfielder Remy Cabella, who is expected to join on loan from Newcastle United.

Florian Thauvin is set to move in the other direction and was expected to undergo a medical at the English club on Wednesday.