Dindane open to Marseille move

Ivorian striker would welcome top-flight return

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 6th January 2009

Dindane open to Marseille move

Dindane: Attracting interest

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Aruna Dindane has admitted that the opportunity to join Marseille would be too good to turn down.

The Ivory Coast international is currently plying his trade in the French second division with Lens, following their relegation from the top-flight at the end of last season.

Boasting an enviable scoring record at both domestic and international level, the African ace has understandably begun to draw admiring glances from elsewhere.

A clutch of English clubs, including Portsmouth, Stoke and West Brom, are reported to have shown an interest, while Ligue 1 giants Marseille are also believed to be in the hunt.

Dindane insists he has no favoured destination but admits a switch to Stade Velodrome would be impossible to resist.

"Possible destinations? I have no preference. I just want to play," he told Le 10 Sport.

"If a team offers me the opportunity to play at the highest level, I will join them immediately.

"I would not reject a proposal from Marseille. However, if I have nothing I will remain in Ligue 2.

"I believe the Lens chairman will tell me to leave if the club receive a suitable offer."

Given up

Meanwhile, Marseille have ended their interest in Swedish striker Henrik Larsson.

Eric Gerets had admitted on Monday that he was keen to land the 37-year-old, while also tracking Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian star Brandao.

However, with Larsson yet to decide where his future will lie once his contract at Helsingborgs reaches its conclusion later this month, Marseille have given up on the former Celtic and Barcelona man.

A statement released by the club said: "The club has decided to end discussions with Henrik Larsson over his coming to Marseille.

"We respect the wish of the Swedish striker to take his time over reaching a decision.

"However, Marseille cannot wait any longer to learn his choice and will now follow up other leads."