We understand that Marseille received an offer from an unnamed Premier League club for young centre-back Nicolas N’Koulou in last month’s transfer window.
We received information this morning confirming that an approach was made for N’Koulou during the January window but it was rejected by Marseille. The club is understood to have made a sizeable offer and plays in the Premier League at the moment.
Manchester City are probably the most likely club to have made an offer in this case, as they have had scouts watching N’Koulou on no fewer than 9 occasions this season. However, just this morning French press reported that Wenger is likely to make a move for the centre-back in the summer with Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou likely to be leaving the Gunners at the end of the season.
Chelsea’s scouts have also paid several visits to the Velodrome this season, although we have no confirmation as to how many times they have watched N’Koulou play.
Whatever happens, it is a reminder to Marseille that they must have a successful campaign in order to hang on to some of their quality players. However, a piece of good news for Marseille fans is the fact that OM have confirmed the contract extension until 2017 of winger Mathieu Valbuena.
