Russian gas goliath Gazprom is currently engaged in talks to supply gas to two major French energy companies as it bids to establish a presence in the Gallic market, the company's vice president has told Les Echos newspaper.

According to a report from the AFX news provider, Gazprom’s VP, Alexander Medvedev, has stated that his company is in talks with Electricite de France and Total over establishing contracts to supply the major French energy outfits with Russian gas.

The development comes as Gazprom pursues an ambitious plan to establish footholds in the energy markets of western Europe. To this end, Gazprom recently created a dedicated unit tasked with selling its gas in the French market.

AFX said in its report that the Russian gas giant wants to emulate its recent achievements in the UK, where it currently has around 1,000 business clients, by establishing a similar presence in France over the next five years.