Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse is set to sign a permanent deal with Marseille despite a late approach from West Ham.
Bolton and Portsmouth were also interested in signing the 25-year-old, who cost Liverpool £14m in July 2004.
But Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, is keen to join the French club on a permanent basis.
"Marseille is definitely the choice for Djibril," Cisse's agent Ranko Stojic told BBC Sport. "I think the deal will happen on Friday or Saturday."
Stojic added: "I have been very busy this week - I caught six planes in two days - and I am sorry for the people I have not had the chance to call back, Mr Eggert Magnusson of West Ham for example."
Magnusson, who was thwarted in his attempt to sign Darren Bent from Charlton, tried to contact Stojic earlier in the week - but Cisse had already opted to join Marseille permanently.
"The Marseille option is the best choice for Djibril because of the Champions League," said Stojic.
"West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth I understand are very, very good clubs but Djibril wants to play in the top level of European competition next season."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made it clear that Cisse would only be allowed to leave Anfield on a permanent basis.
"Mr Benitez has been very, very correct," added Stojic.
"Of course he tried to get a little bit more money for his club but I think it will be a good deal for everybody.
"There are some details to sort out between Liverpool and Marseille but I think it will happen soon."
Marseille started their pre-season training on 25 June and the player is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible so he can join his new team-mates.
Cisse, who has two years left on his deal at Liverpool, has broken his leg twice in the last three years, first in 2004 and then in a friendly for France against China last year just before the World Cup in Germany.
And after suffering such serious injuries, Stojic stated: "He is so motivated after all the problems he has had."
Bolton and Portsmouth were also interested in signing the 25-year-old, who cost Liverpool £14m in July 2004.
But Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, is keen to join the French club on a permanent basis.
"Marseille is definitely the choice for Djibril," Cisse's agent Ranko Stojic told BBC Sport. "I think the deal will happen on Friday or Saturday."
Stojic added: "I have been very busy this week - I caught six planes in two days - and I am sorry for the people I have not had the chance to call back, Mr Eggert Magnusson of West Ham for example."
Magnusson, who was thwarted in his attempt to sign Darren Bent from Charlton, tried to contact Stojic earlier in the week - but Cisse had already opted to join Marseille permanently.
"The Marseille option is the best choice for Djibril because of the Champions League," said Stojic.
"West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth I understand are very, very good clubs but Djibril wants to play in the top level of European competition next season."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made it clear that Cisse would only be allowed to leave Anfield on a permanent basis.
"Mr Benitez has been very, very correct," added Stojic.
"Of course he tried to get a little bit more money for his club but I think it will be a good deal for everybody.
"There are some details to sort out between Liverpool and Marseille but I think it will happen soon."
Marseille started their pre-season training on 25 June and the player is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible so he can join his new team-mates.
Cisse, who has two years left on his deal at Liverpool, has broken his leg twice in the last three years, first in 2004 and then in a friendly for France against China last year just before the World Cup in Germany.
And after suffering such serious injuries, Stojic stated: "He is so motivated after all the problems he has had."
No comments:
Post a Comment