The head of the International Monetary Fund confirmed on Thursday that Greek authorities requested talks on a multi-year financing deal, as part of a joint rescue package with euro-zone countries.

"Following a request by the Greek authorities, I have agreed to send an IMF team to Athens to begin discussions with the Greek authorities this coming Monday on policies that could provide the basis for fund financial assistance, under a multi-year program, in the case that the authorities decide to ask for such assistance," IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said in a statement.