Liverpool’s hopes of signing Rod Fanni were given a boost today as Marseille expressed their doubts at securing a deal for the full back.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the French international and have had scouts watching Fanni in the past few weeks, as rumours grow that Glen Johnson could be heading for the exit door following his bust up with Hodgson.

Marseille were thought to be leading the chase for the 29-year-old; however the club chairman Jean Claude Dassier revealed that he was pessimistic that a deal could be concluded, given the irrational behaviour of the player’s agent:

"Today we can only be pessimistic,

"Fanni's agent is being irrational and it is doubtful a deal will now be done.

"I can't see any way it could be completed, except if the player decides to manage himself in a reasonable way." RMC