Leicester City target Florian Thauvin could leave Ligue 1 giants Marseille with his contract expiring in 2021, president Jacques-Henri Eyraud tells L’Equipe.
As ever, storm clouds are never far away from the Stade Velodrome skies.
Marseille may be just five points off the top of Ligue 1 with two games in hand but, if star man Thauvin departs in January, L’OM can kiss goodbye to their hopes of overhauling bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain and ending an eight-year trophy drought.
The 2018 World Cup winner has rediscovered his Midas Touch after a couple of injury-ruined years, contributing six goals and seven assists from his favoured right-wing role.
But with Thauvin’s contract expiring next summer, and with Leicester planning to bring the former Newcastle youngster back to England, Marseille may soon be forced to adapt to life without their most influential player.
“It will be an important year in the regeneration of this squad. It will be one of our priorities, it is at the heart of the sporting project designed by Pablo (Longoria, sporting director),” president Eyraud explains.
“I hope that Florian continues (but) he perhaps has personal and financial aspirations. Everyone will understand that the current period imposes an extreme rigor on us.”
Calciomercato reported a few weeks ago that Brendan Rodgers has informed the Leicester board of his desire to work with the £18 million-rated France international.
Thauvin is demanding £85,000-a-week, while AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has confirmed interest from the Serie A leaders (Pianeta Milan).
Marseille have been hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis engulfing French football and may have no choice but to cash in on Thauvin to raise some much-needed capital in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
