Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace look set to miss out on Florian Thauvin, with TMW reporting the World Cup winner has been convinced to sign a new contract at Marseille.
The Ligue 1 winger could have been forgiven for pushing for a move to the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window.
After all, Thauvin didn’t exactly seize the opportunity to showcase his talent at Newcastle United during his ill-fated spell at St James’ Park – although, it must be said, he wasn’t helped by being played out of position by manager Steve McClaren.
Last week, L’Equipe reported Leicester and Crystal Palace had both entered talks with the soon-to-be free agent.
A left-footed right winger, Thauvin was seemingly lined up to replace Roma loanee Cengiz Under at the King Power. At Palace, meanwhile, it would be hard to imagine Andros Townsend keeping his place on the right-hand side if one of the finest footballers in France returned across the Channel.
But, after being impressed by the impact made by irrepressible coach Jorge Sampaoli at Marseille, TMW reports Thauvin has now decided to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Stade Velodrome.
It’s likely to be a roller-coaster playing for one of the game’s most fiery managers – and Thauvin is along for the ride.
Furthermore, it goes without saying this feels like a massive boost for a crisis-ridden L’OM side used to losing its star players on an almost annual basis.
A fortnight ago, Estadio Deportivo reported Jose Mourinho’s Spurs had also expressed their interest, while Leicester were offering Thauvin a near £60,000-a-week contract in the Midlands.
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