[J_746]

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Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed his club's interest in Valencia striker Fernando Morientes. Morientes is set to leave the Mestalla this summer and has been linked with a move to Marseille, where he would be reunited with Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps was in charge of Monaco in 2003/4 when Morientes played a key role in their march to the UEFA Champions League final. Dassier admits that Deschamps is keen to bring in the 34-year-old and has hinted a deal may not be far away.

"Morientes? We are really interested in him, Didier Deschamps wants him," Dassier told RMC.

"I have to do what the coach asks me, so it could happen very soon."

Reports suggest that Morientes has already travelled to France to start discussing personal terms.

Source: Sky Sports

This could signal the departure of one of Marseille's current strikers in my opinion. I am under the impression that bids have come in for Niang and it may seem that Marseille are having trouble resisting. Niang has drawn a lot of interest this window from clubs across Europe, but he is still a key player for Marseille. Didier Deschamps is still trying to stamp his own mark on the side, and the addition of Morientes with the departure of Niang would mean changes all over the pitch. Morientes can play well under Deschamps and this would be a decent way for him to finally look to wind down his career. He will be staying at a fairly high-profile club at the top of their respective league. Marseille have made a couple of impressive signings this transfer window so far, but it remains to be seen if they'll go for Morientes and if he'll sign after all. When Morientes was in France previously, his strike record was fairly good so he'll be looking to keep that record up in Marseille should he sign. Marseille may well be the right club for him as the French league would be highly suitable for his style of attack.

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When Pascal Feindouno chose to move to Al-Saad last year, the Guinea skipper was said to have chosen money over sporting matters, but he has now indicated his willingness to return to Ligue 1.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, the ex-Bordeaux player spoke of interest from Monaco and Stade Rennais.

"It has been confirmed to me by my agents that Rennes and Monaco were interested, but I haven't had direct contact with those clubs yet," he said. "I really want to come back to the Ligue 1 and those are great clubs that have put me on their wish lists. But the hardest part will be the financial aspect of it all since they will have to come to an agreement with the people at Al-Saad, who bought me for €8 million. If it proves possible, I will happily come back to Ligue 1."

What Feindouno may have forgotten is that he will have to make a financial sacrifice as his current wages would make him one of the five highest paid players in Le Championnat, and it is unlikely that either Monaco or Rennes could pay him the money he's earned this year.

Guinea are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group, lagging behind Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. However, they are close to getting one of the three qualifying spots for next year's African Cup of Nations in Angola as the fourth team in the group is Malawi, a country they recently beat in June.

Source: Goal.com

He left for money, made no qualms about denying that fact and is now evidently trying to manoeuvre his way back to Ligue 1. With Al-Saad only recently paying €8m for him, I can't see Monaco or Rennes spending that amount of money. Monaco were looking to spend €5m at most on a new striker (as can be seen from their move from Savidan) and Rennes will be hoping Wiltord has another season left in him to form a partnership with Jimmy Briand in their usually effective attack.

[J_746]

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Fernando Morientes is keen on securing a move to Marseille, according to the player's agent. Marseille have lined up a move for Morientes, who is looking for a new club following the expiration of his contract at Valencia.

The striker's agent, Gines Carvajal, claims Morientes is ready to reject offers from other clubs to make the move to the Stade Velodrome to link up again with Didier Deschamps. Deschamps worked with Morientes during the Spaniard's loan spell at the French club and he is keen to be reunited with him again. Carvajal admits the presence of Deschamps at Marseille is a big factor in Morientes' desire to move to the club.

"He'll not look at any other solution as long as there's a chance of going to Marseille," said Carvajal told L'Equipe.

"Deschamps is like a sporting father figure for him. There is mutual respect and trust between the pair of them. Fernando has always told me that if another opportunity arose to work with Deschamps, he would take it, no matter where. Of course we'll discuss the financial aspect. But if there is common interest, it's logical that we'll come to an agreement quickly."

Deschamps believes 33-year-old Morientes still has a lot to offer despite a disappointing spell at Valencia.

"I know that people will say that he's 33, but when you score goals, you score goals," said Deschamps.

"Pippo Inzaghi is still scoring at 36 and Del Piero is 35. He's 33 today, but the same quality and four years younger, is inaccessible for us, and that has to be taken into account too."

Source: Sky Sports

Looks like we could be seeing this transfer happen sooner rather than later.

[Vidic15]

Smart move for OM in terms of a squad player.

Still surprised they sold Cisse- never really understood exactly why he was out of favour.

[J_746]

Vidic15, on 29 July 2009 - 05:29 AM, said:

Smart move for OM in terms of a squad player.

Still surprised they sold Cisse- never really understood exactly why he was out of favour.

Because he never really hit it off at Marseille. He played a good role, did a half-decent job, but he had a bad attitude. When all that is mixed together, it can get confusing for the club. Ultimately in France if you have a player with problems, you must think of the long-term and that kind of player can create further problems in the dressing room, so he's better off away. He'll get more of an opportunity to play at Panathinaikos also.

[Vidic15]

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Bordeaux are poised to complete the signing of Michael Ciani after announcing they have reached an agreement with Lorient over the transfer of the defender.

Les Girondins have been searching for a centre-back since they sold Souleymane Diawara to Marseille earlier this summer, and they look to have found a replacement.

The French champions released a statement on the club's official website www.girondins.com, which read: "Before the traditional medical, the various administrative steps and the official signing of a contract, Bordeaux and Lorient have come to an agreement for the transfer of Michael Ciani, the 25-year-old centre-back."

Ciani has spent the past three years at Lorient.

PA Sport

[J_746]

[Infinitum Nihil]

[J_746]

[Vidic15]

[J_746]

[J_746]

[Infinitum Nihil]

[Vidic15]

[Vidic15]

http://www.ligue1.co...1/transfert. asp

Ligue 1 site has all updated/completed transfers.

[J_746]

[J_746]

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Marseille striker Elliot Grandin is hoping to earn a move to Stoke City ahead of a trial with the Premier League club. The 21-year-old was linked with Middlesbrough in the summer, while Aston Villa were credited with an interest in January. But Stoke have offered Grandin, who believes he does not feature in the thoughts of Marseille boss Didier Deschamps, a trial and he hopes to impress.

The France Under 21 international said: "I am not part of the new Marseille coach's plans. So if I can make a name for myself here (Stoke), that will be fantastic."

Two players who are expected to stay at Marseille are Taye Taiwo and Steve Mandada, with the duo understood to be on the verge of signing two-year contract extensions.

Taiwo said: "I am happy at Marseille. The season has started very well and hopefully we can challenge for the league. The contract will be signed. I love it here."

Source: SkySports

Grandin is a good prospect. He's been on trial with a few Premier League clubs (including Aston Villa) but nothing solid has come from it. I think a few years ago he would have been regarded as a bigger prospect as he hasn't featured all too much since, but he's still a decent project for a manager to work on.

The article also states that Taiwo and Mandanda will sign new contracts. Niang is also on the verge of signing one. This is interesting as Niang and Taiwo were strongly linked with moves away just a few months ago, how things change! :lol: .

[Infinitum Nihil]

J_746, on 21 August 2009 - 09:13 PM, said:

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Marseille striker Elliot Grandin is hoping to earn a move to Stoke City ahead of a trial with the Premier League club. The 21-year-old was linked with Middlesbrough in the summer, while Aston Villa were credited with an interest in January. But Stoke have offered Grandin, who believes he does not feature in the thoughts of Marseille boss Didier Deschamps, a trial and he hopes to impress.

The France Under 21 international said: "I am not part of the new Marseille coach's plans. So if I can make a name for myself here (Stoke), that will be fantastic."

Two players who are expected to stay at Marseille are Taye Taiwo and Steve Mandada, with the duo understood to be on the verge of signing two-year contract extensions.

Taiwo said: "I am happy at Marseille. The season has started very well and hopefully we can challenge for the league. The contract will be signed. I love it here."

Source: SkySports

Grandin is a good prospect. He's been on trial with a few Premier League clubs (including Aston Villa) but nothing solid has come from it. I think a few years ago he would have been regarded as a bigger prospect as he hasn't featured all too much since, but he's still a decent project for a manager to work on.

The article also states that Taiwo and Mandanda will sign new contracts. Niang is also on the verge of signing one. This is interesting as Niang and Taiwo were strongly linked with moves away just a few months ago, how things change! :lol: .

I always assumed Mamadou Niang would remain. In my opinion, he is the best forward in Ligue 1, but is probably too old for one of Europe's most illustrious club to justify paying a substantial fee for his services. He is comfortable with Olympique Marseille and can still compete for major honours. With Taye Taiwo, I am not sure there was an attractive enough proposition made to tempt him away, even with the arrival of Gabriel Heinze, would could have taken his position. Steve Mandanda was eye-catching last season, but I remain unconvinced by his goalkeeping abilities, certainly as the French National team first choice and it would not surprise me if he displaced before next summers World Cup.

I agree about Elliot Grandin with regard to his potential, but he would be better suited remaining in ligue 1 and joining a lower level team, where he would be a regular. At this stage in his career, he needs to be starting games frequently and at Stoke City that is unlikely to be case. I would also question whether their long-ball style plays to Grandin's strengths.

[J_746]

La Furia Roja, on 21 August 2009 - 09:31 PM, said:

I always assumed Mamadou Niang would remain. In my opinion, he is the best forward in Ligue 1, but is probably too old for one of Europe's most illustrious club to justify paying a substantial fee for his services. He is comfortable with Olympique Marseille and can still compete for major honours. With Taye Taiwo, I am not sure there was an attractive enough proposition made to tempt him away, even with the arrival of Gabriel Heinze, would could have taken his position. Steve Mandanda was eye-catching last season, but I remain unconvinced by his goalkeeping abilities, certainly as the French National team first choice and it would not surprise me if he displaced before next summers World Cup.

I agree about Elliot Grandin with regard to his potential, but he would be better suited remaining in ligue 1 and joining a lower level team, where he would be a regular. At this stage in his career, he needs to be starting games frequently and at Stoke City that is unlikely to be case. I would also question whether their long-ball style plays to Grandin's strengths.

Niang is one of the top forwards in France in my opinion. He is a complete battler and has the physical presence to win the ball at any costs. Man City were linked with Taiwo at the start of the window, but other options were found ultimately to suit them. I think Taiwo is better suited to Ligue 1 also as he is given a lot more responsibility at Marseille than he would be with another club in Europe for instance. As you know, I'm not a fan of Mandanda and I think he owes a lot to the defence in front of him. France have a typically weakened defence, which exposes him for the blunderful keeper he is, however at Marseille he has a strong defence playing in front of him and he can afford to be lax at times, though he did make a string of top saves against Lille last weekend. Lloris, on the other hand, has used his potential and great season last year to his advantage to be named France's number 1 in the last game against the Faroe Islands. It remains to be seen whether he'll continue to be first choice, but my bet would be on him.

I was surprised Valenciennes didn't go for Grandin originally. They have got themselves something special with a lot more experience in Samassa, but Grandin on a permanent deal would be something for them to work on. I can perhaps see Saint Etienne trying to make a move towards Grandin as the window goes on as they seem to be getting nowhere with regards to interest and bids for strikers at the moment. It would be a real shame for a club like Saint Etienne to be in another relegation battle this year, but they don't have too many options in attack to save themselves or give the fans too much hope of achieving anything other than mid-table. They have some classy options in midfield and defence but attack is where their goals will come from, and attack is something they don't have.

Moving abroad seems to be what Grandin wants to do, but I agree that staying in France would be a better option. He would ruin the potential he has left by moving to a club which will not use him all too often. Moving further down the Ligue 1 table, permanently or on loan, would be a better move as he would get more football.

[Infinitum Nihil]

[J_746]

La Furia Roja, on 21 August 2009 - 11:20 PM, said:

Hugo Lloris does not convince me either, though. He is more complete than Steve Mandanda, but has moments when he lacks concentration and can be quite error-prone. Perhaps, that will be eased out of his game as he gathers more experience, but it is not certain that he will be Raymond Domenech's goalkeeper of choice, come next summer. It is widely believed among most, aside from Domenech, that Sébastien Frey is France's is most competent goalkeeper. He has never been given a chance, criminally, and was certainly never in favour with Domenech. He retired at the age of 29 with a paltry two caps. Of the current crop of available goalkeepers, my preference is either Cédric Carrasso or Yohann Pelé. The latter may struggle, with just one call up to his name, but if Carrasso can settle and impress with Bordeaux, he has a real opportunity.

Even though Lloris isn't the finished article, he still has a lot more confidence and deals with situations in a better way than Mandanda. Mandanda flaps at things and makes simple things seem difficult, which I'm sure frustrates the Marseille fans at times. Lloris has some improving to do obviously, but he is statistically the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 at the moment and was awarded the recognition at last year's awards. I would actually like to see Carrasso feature for France ahead of Mandanda, but he hasn't started the Ligue 1 campaign all too well, but I think that once he has settled into the side he will be a top player for Bordeaux! Pele is another option but I can't see Domenech selecting him just yet.

Frey should have featured more under Domenech, but he's one of a list of players who haven't been on the best of terms with Domenech. If Frey was still available and I was France manager he'd be in the squad. Unfortunately Domenech isn't the best of man-managers and I do hope he's out of a job sooner rather than later. France have struggled under Domenech as a result of his outlandish claims, negative media and weird squad selections.