from bbc.co.uk Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse is set to sign a permanent deal with Marseille despite a late approach from West Ham. Bolton and Portsmouth were also interested in signing the 25-year-old, who cost Liverpool £14m in July 2004. But Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, is keen to join the French club on a permanent basis. "Marseille is definitely the choice for Djibril," Cisse's agent Ranko Stojic told BBC Sport. "I think the deal will happen on Friday or Saturday." Stojic added: "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." Magnusson, who was thwarted in his attempt to sign Darren Bent from Charlton, tried to contact Stojic earlier in the week - but Cisse had already opted to join Marseille permanently. "The Marseille option is the best choice for Djibril because of the Champions League," said Stojic. "West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth I understand are very, very good clubs but Djibril wants to play in the to level of European competition next season." Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made it clear that Cisse would only be allowed to leave Anfield on a permanent basis. "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." Marseille started their pre-season training on 25 June and the player is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible so he can join his new team-mates. Cisse, who has two years left on his deal at Liverpool, has broken his leg twice in the last three years, first in 2004 and then in a friendly for France against China last year just before the World Cup in Germany. And after suffering such serious injuries, Stojic stated: "He is so motivated after all the problems he has had."
Good riddance. If we get Diao off the books Rafa won't have to carry any more of Houllier's baggage. Bet ya the Hammers would've paid us good money for him considering what they were offering for Bent but sure he didn't want to go Atletico or any other club only Marseilles which puts them in a brilliant bargaining position and us at their mercy. Take note Mickey Owen !
Diao is well gone mate- to Stoke in Jan I think??? Talk of Derby going for him last I heard. Good luck to Cisse... he was a decent free kick taker at least...
But is that gone, gone ? I know he's not physically at the club. Last I heard of him he was throwing trials at Pompey so not to be put off his big pay packet and was Stoke not a loan deal ? Did he go on a free or something.
Best of luck to The Djib he's had to overcome one of the worst breaks ever....twice!! Played his part in Istanbul,which he will be remembered for. He just didn't have the quality to be part of a tiltle challenging side
And that was a great goal in the cup final. A trier. not blessed with talent, but there have been worse players at liverpool (Heskey). I hope he stays injury free now
Good luck Cisse, always thought his goal against West Ham was overshadowed by (and rightly so) Stevies double. A CL and an FA Cup medal for his efforts and hard luck not bad, but overall a disappointment from what we all hoped he could be.
Best of luck to Cisse I must admit, I never really thought Rafa liked him and as such, didn't give him a fair shake on the pitch up front .... As for the injuries, I was very very sorry for the lad, not once but twice must have been so soul destroying for him ... although sadly, as we are all aware, he also appeared to have some personal problems (re: girlfriend etc) so lets just hope things work well for him at his new club & we never have him play against us