Drogba is 'inaccessible' say Marseille

(GETTY IMAGES)

Marseille have dismissed talk of a move for Didier Drogba, describing the Chelsea striker as "inaccessible".

Drogba's form in his last spell at Marseille in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League earned him the French player-of-the-year award, as well as bringing him to the attention of the west Londoners, who paid in the region of £24m for his services in 2004.

La Provence newspaper today reported Marseille were considering an audacious bid to bring the 30-year-old back to the club.

But sporting director Jose Anigo told French radio station RMC: "The problem with Didier is that even if he wanted to come to Marseille, there is a financial problem.

"For a French club, he represents 12million euros per year. He is inaccessible to all French clubs."

Anigo also revealed a loan deal taking defender Gael Givet to Blackburn was "being finalised".

And on the day the club reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Brazilian striker Brandao, Anigo revealed there could be more players loaned out, including young attackers Elliot Grandin and Mamadou Samassa.

"Maybe we will lend Grandin," he said. "About Samassa, we have to ask ourselves, because we must not stop young people being given playing time."

Anigo also moved to clear up speculation about the future of coach Eric Gerets, who has been linked with a move away from the club because of reported differences over transfer policy.

He said: "We do not want it, let that be clear: nobody at the club wishes him to depart.

"He has no problem at the club."