by Paul C » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:43 pm
From teamtalk.co.uk:
Marseille fearful of Cisse bidding war
Marseille fear they could be forced into a bidding war with fellow French giants Lyon for Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse.
The former Auxerre star has failed to nail down a regular first-team place since moving to Anfield for £14million in the summer of 2004.
And now it appears Rafael Benitez will offload him before the start of next season, with a return to France the most likely destination.
Both Lyon and Marseille are interested in the player, but the latter fear they could be priced out of a deal with Liverpool expecting a fee of at least £8million.
Marseille president Pape Diouf told the Liverpool Echo: "We haven't been able to talk directly with the player, but it's true we have spoken to members of his entourage. Djibril would love to wear the colours of Marseille, he's said it publicly and revealed his sentiments for this club.
"He's currently a Liverpool player and we'd have to reach an agreement with them to buy out his contract. So yes, the interest is real, but there is also some competition for his signature and once again, it's called Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of Lyon.
"What is he offering? I don't know, but as the president of OM I categorically refuse to get into a bidding war because I don't believe in paying more than market value for any player."