French outfit Marseille are keen to land Yohan Cabaye from Crystal Palace this month and are confident of being able to conclude a deal, The Daily Mirror reports.
What's the word?
Not content with only Dimitri Payet in their sights, Marseille are looking to snatch another Frenchman from the clutches of a London Premier League side, as the French outfit seek to complete a deal for Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye.
The Eagles, under new boss Sam Allardyce, are prepared to allow Cabaye to leave this month but are demanding a whopping £16m for the 31-year-old. However, Marseille are confident they can wrap up a deal before the close of the window.
Marseille have the funds to complete a deal, after their takeover from American businessman Frank McCourt, and Rudi Garcia has identified Cabaye as a priority signing- having worked with the midfielder before during their time at Lille.
Where does a deal stand?
Crystal Palace's demands may throw a spanner in the works but Marseille have three things working in their favour, which increase their chances of completing a deal before the January window slams shut in a few months.
Firstly, as mentioned, they have the finances to secure a deal and will likely be negotiating with Crystal Palace about a reduced fee. Whilst Palace will remain firm on their demands, the Eagles need to sell to fund Sam Allardyce's ventures into the market this month- which is another advantage for Marseille.
Finally, and perhaps the most crucial of all, Cabaye is keen to return to France and the Marseille project will be tempting. If the French side manage to pull off a deal for both Cabaye and Payet this month, then their midfield will look formidable.
Marseille's aim is to push into Europe, ideally the Champions League, but sit four points behind Lyon and a guaranteed Europa League place. Europe's most prestigious competition already looks out of reach, as Marseille are 12 points behind Paris Saint-Germain in third.
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