Peguy rivals for Pompey

Auxerre could hijack Portsmouth's bid to sign Marseille striker Peguy Luyindula.

Pompey have held talks with Marseille about landing the France international on a season-long loan.

But though Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin is desperate to take the 26-year-old to The Premiership, his approach has been met with a lukewarm response from Luyindula.

Sevilla have also made an offer for the attacker but Luyindula is keen to stay in Ligue 1 to boost his prospects of an international recall.

Though Luyindula has started both of Marseille's domestic games this season, he has been left out of the squad for the InterToto Cup final with Deportivo La Coruna.

Marseille's sporting director Jose Anigo, who signed Luyindula from Lyon last summer, is now looking to ship the player out of Stade Velodrome.

That has prompted Auxerre to explore the possibility of snapping up Luyindula on loan for the season.

Auxerre coach Jacques Santini worked with Luyindula with the French national team and at Lyon and is a fan of the forward.

Talks between the clubs are at an early stage but should Auxerre secure Luyindula, it is likely to terminate their interest in Fulham outcast Steve Marlet.