Cisse speculation silenced

French giants stand firm on striker's future

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 7th August 2008

Djibril Cisse

Cisse: Staying put

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Marseille have reiterated their belief their Djibril Cisse will remain at the club for the forthcoming season.

The France international continues to draw admiring glances from a host of English clubs, with the speculation surrounding his future having dragged on all summer.

The former Liverpool man has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League, and has a clause in his contract which allows him to speak to English suitors.

However, no concrete offers have been tabled for the striker and OM president Pape Diouf expects the 26-year-old to still be at Stade Velodrome once the 2008/09 campaign gets under way.

"We agreed at the end of the 2007/08 season that if he was the object of a big offer coming from England, we would look at it," Diouf told the club's official website.

Conditions

"The transfer window opened and I saw Djibril again to tell him, 'Djibril, I still agree with the promise we made but on the condition that, from now on, we find a buying club very quickly, with a fixed price and that we find a sporting solution for your departure'.

"Unfortunately, none of these conditions have been met even though, and I must say it, Djibril is currently the object of inquiries from several clubs.

"Having discussed with Djibril recently, we have agreed that he will stay despite these offers.

"He has shown his love for this club. Djibril needs OM and OM need Djibril.

"You don't find this type of player on the corner of every street."