Marseille wait for Cisse deal
by Mark Buckingham - created on 22 Aug 2005
SPORTS QUIZ
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Player profiles:
Djibril Cisse
Michael Owen
Abdoulaye Meite
Team Pages:
Liverpool
Marseille
Real MadridMarseille are yet to contact Liverpool regarding Djibril Cisse but have hinted a swoop for the France international hinges on the future of Michael Owen.
Cisse has been linked with a move to Stade Velodrome, and l´OM president Pape Diouf has confirmed the club´s interest.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has insisted that Cisse is not for sale, amid rumours last week that French champions Lyon are chasing the striker.
Since recovering from a nasty injury last season, Cisse has struggled to recapture his best form and that has sparked talk he could be shipped out of Anfield.
Rumours persist that the European champions are looking to bring Owen back to the club from Real Madrid, despite denials to the contrary from Benitez.
Diouf has revealed that Cisse would be concerned about his Reds future if the club re-signed Owen and that could pave the way for a move to Marseille.
L´OM would struggle to rustle up the finances for a transfer, and could offer Abdoulaye Meite in exchange, although Diouf admits the interest in Cisse is still at an early stage.
"We have not had any direct contact, neither with Cisse, nor with Liverpool," Diouf told the club´s official website.
"But he has learned, while discussing it with his coach, that Michael Owen could return to the club where he started his career.
"Djibril then said to his coach that he did not wish to stay if he was not going to play in his original position - centre forward.
"It is known, and he has never hidden it, that Djibril would like to play at Marseille. Then the idea was immediately propelled for Cisse to join l´OM.
"If the chance to sign Djibril for Marseille was given to us,