Barthez yes, Desailly no for l'OM
Marseille have confirmed that Fabien Barthez will sign for them on Thursday or Friday, but they have no interest in purchasing Chelsea veteran Marcel Desailly.
L'OM are keen to strengthen their goalkeeping options in January, and Barthez has long been lined up for a loan move with Fifa blocking the deal from going through until the transfer window reopens.
"We will try to make him sign as soon as possible," stated chairman Christophe Bouchet.
"If possible, on January 1 or January 2.
"We have no time to lose because we want him to be eligible for the Coupe de France match."
Marseille have a difficult home clash with Strasbourg in the competition next weekend, and Vedran Runje is struggling with a knee problem.
"When we have had too many players, we could have done that kind of thing (sell Runje)," added Bouchet.
"But now we only have 24 professionals.
"Moreover, cancelling a contract would cost us a lot of money.
"Also, the Desailly rumour is totally fake. We will not hire anyone, except of course if we sell."
The only player to leave at the moment is Fabien Laurenti who is signing a four-and-a-half year contract with Ajaccio.
