City's Cisse bid spurned

French giants reject approach from Sven Goran Eriksson

Last updated: 8th January 2008

City's Cisse bid spurned

Cisse: A Premier League target

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Marseille have turned down an approach from Manchester City for striker Djibril Cisse.

Sven Goran Eriksson has been linked with a whole host of strikers since the transfer window re-opened in January and it would appear Cisse is high on his wish-list.

A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with the former Liverpool front-man but it is City who have attempted to steal a march on their rivals for his signature.

However, Marseille president Pape Diouf insists he has no intention of allowing the player to leave.

Diouf adamant

"Let me be clear: Djibril Cisse will not leave Marseille," he told a press conference.

"He was asked, for sure. Myself I was approached by the club from Manchester, but I have responded categorically no.

"I always wanted to retain Djibril, we are committed.

"I have never doubted his ability, his qualities. Besides, there are more than tremors in the last few games that there is a return to form.

"Today, I want to commend his strength of character and his common sense and his savoir vivre.

"Given everything he has been forced to endure, read, see and hear, I would understand like others before him if he was forced to make a fresh start, having been contacted by a leading English club.

"We understand that Djibril could do that. But when he and I talked, he understood my position, he understood that I did not want to let him go, and he did not have a great problem."