Marseille coach Eric Gerets has turned down an approach by Belgium's football association to become the new head coach.

Former Belgium international Gerets has led OM to the summit of Ligue 1 and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup this season and is highly regarded in his homeland.

He has been widely tipped as the natural successor to deposed Belgium boss Rene Vandereycken, who was sacked following back-to-back defeats against Bosnia-Herzegovina last month.

Philippe Collin, the president of the Belgian FA's technical committee, recently approached Gerets about the vacancy but the Marseille boss has decided to remain at the Mediterranean club for the time being.

"Gerets said he was honoured by the approach but he cannot follow up for the moment," read a Belgian FA statement.

"He declared that he stays open to any offer in medium or long term"

Gerets is under contract at Marseille until June.