Marseille close in on Cisse

Marseille still intend to sign striker Djibril Cisse from Liverpool.

The Frenchman has failed to make the expected impact at Anfield and was widely tipped to leave this summer.

The prospect of an imminent departure looked in doubt when Cisse broke his leg in the build-up to the World Cup, but Diouf has maintained that Marseille still intend to move for the 24-year-old.

"We are very interested in Cisse. I deny that he has signed but there has been contact between the clubs," Diouf explained.

"Why will I be at Liverpool next week? To go deeper into the case with Cisse, his agents and his club.

"I have confidence in him and he will be okay in September or October to recover his potential."

It had been reported that Marseille had already struck a loan deal with Liverpool, but Diouf insisted that the wheels are still in motion.

"We are interested in a loan with the option of (signing) Djibril Cisse and we will continue to look at this," he said.

Meanwhile, Diouf refused to confirm that Zdenek Zeman was set to become the new Marseille coach.

According to Diouf the Czech tactician was under consideration but the board were still weighing up several options.

"The visit of Mr Zeman was a very good thing for us," he commented.

"He has showed his availability and humility. We had a long talk about the club and his arrival here.

"This meeting was needed before making a final decision.

"We have three serious targets, among them Zeman. We will use the weekend and may be the start of next week to decide."

Marseille may appoint Albert Emon from within their own ranks or look for a different foreign coach.

In other news, Marseille have reached an agreement with goalkeeper Sebastien Hamel.

The 30-year-old is out of contract following his exit from Auxerre and has put pen-to-paper on a two-year-deal in the next few days.

He comes in to replace departed France shot-stopper Fabien Barthez, and will provide back up for 24-year-old number one Cedric Carazzo.