Marseille face setback in Michel Di Gregorio pursuit

Marseille are set to miss out on Michel Di Gregorio, their preferred option to replace Geronimo Rulli in goal. The Juventus goalkeeper had been open to the club’s interest, but uncertainty around the situation at the Ligue 1 side and a recent approach from Bournemouth have shifted his position. He is now expected to move to England instead.

The setback comes as Marseille try to strengthen a squad that began the season at the top of Ligue 1 after beating Strasbourg 4-0. Their strong start has not removed the pressure created by the club’s financial situation, with coach Bruno Genesio saying the wage bill must fall before further recruitment can take place.

Five players have already left: Mason Greenwood, Hamed Junior Traoré, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Facundo Medina and Rulli. Five more departures are expected, although Marseille hope to keep Amine Gouiri and Igor Paixão. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Nayef Aguerd are not expected to be retained, while Quinten Timber is close to a move to Crystal Palace for around €20 million.

Jean-Clair Todibo is currently the only arrival understood to be willing to wait for Marseille’s situation to become clearer. The club therefore face a busy final week of the transfer window, with the goalkeeper position still unresolved after Rulli’s expected move to Manchester City.