Pagis attracting attention

Strasbourg striker Mickael Pagis looks likely to join either Sochaux or Marseille.

The talented 32-year-old has impressed this season with a series of exciting displays and it has now been confirmed that Marseille are in talks over a purported ‚é¼1 million deal.

Marseille chairman Pape Diouf is confident an agreement can be struck within the next few days, with talks having progressed smoothly thus far.

''I am in talks with Strasbourg officials,'' said Diouf. ''We have not found any agreement yet.

''But I feel things can improve the right way in the coming 24 hours. Our proposition is not so far away from their wishes.''

Whilst Diouf remains satisfied that Marseille are front-runners for the player's signature, Sochaux boss Jean-Claude Plessis is hopeful that Pagis' previous ties to the club could sway his decision.

''During the next two days, we will know where Mickael will go,'' said Plessis.

''It will be a competition between Marseille and us. At Sochaux, he has friends, but Marseille remains Marseille.''

The player's agent, Jean-Marie Cantona, is reticent to confirm which club have the edge at the moment - with both having their respective merits.

''For the moment nothing has been signed,'' said Cantona. ''The clubs are in talks.

''They talk about a definitive transfer. Pagis likes the two clubs. I just hope it will be settled quickly.''

If Strasbourg do elect to strike a deal with either club then it will free up funds to bring in players, with Middlesbrough's Szilard Nemeth and Saint-Gall's Eric Hassli thought to be their primary targets.

Meanwhile, Martin Djetou is training with Strasbourg after failing to win a permanent deal at Bolton.