Cisse homing in on Marseille switch

Djibril Cisse's agent has revealed that the French striker, seen here in February 2007, is close to making his loan switch from Liverpool to Marseille permanent.

France striker Djibril Cisse is close to making his loan switch from Liverpool to Marseille permanent, his agent said Friday.

Cisse spent last season on loan at the French side after falling out of favour with Liverpool's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez, despite a 14-million-pound move to the Premiership from Auxerre in 2004.

Several other Premiership sides expressed late interest in the pacey forward but they look set to be disappointed according to Ranko Stojic.

"Marseille is definitely the choice for Djibril," Stojic told the BBC. "I think the deal will happen on Friday or Saturday.

"I have been very busy this week - I caught six planes in two days - and I am sorry for the people I have not had the chance to call back, Mr Eggert Magnusson of West Ham for example."

West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth were all interested in the player but it seems the lure of Champions League football proved a strong one.

"The Marseille option is the best choice for Djibril because of the Champions League," added Stojic.

"West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth I understand are very, very good clubs but Djibril wants to play in the top level of European competition next season."

Marseille had wanted to keep Cisse on loan but Benitez made it clear that was not an option.

"Mr Benitez has been very, very correct," added Stojic. "Of course he tried to get a little bit more money for his club but I think it will be a good deal for everybody.

"There are some details to sort out between Liverpool and Marseille but I think it will happen soon."

No financial details have been revealed for the 25-year-old's impending transfer.