Friday, 20th June, 2014
Marseille president Vincent Labrune is bidding to keep Ivorian right-back Serge Aurier in France, seeing off interest from Arsenal and Liverpool for the 21-year-old.
Aurier, who turns out in Ligue 1 with Toulouse, has been linked with a transfer this summer, Arsenal the main protagonists as they search for a replacement for Bacary Sagna, who is joining Manchester City.
However, Liverpool are also monitoring proceedings and it has seemed likely Aurier will be playing his football outside France next season.
But Marseille may change that after president Labrune personally contacted Aurier's representatives, according to French daily Le Parisien.
Labrune, who has watched Aurier at close quarters, has been impressed with his performances on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, for the Ivory Coast.
relatedNewsStory
Toulouse are thought to want around the €8m mark for Aurier, an amount well within Marseille's reach.
However, if the 21-year-old receives concrete offers from England, Labrune may find persuading Aurier to continue his career at the Stade Velodrome to be a tough task.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
