Offers pour in, but Cisse joins Sunderland

MARSEILLE president Pape Diouf has revealed Djibril Cisse turned down offers from a number of English sides, including Manchester City, before eventually deciding to join Sunderland.

The France striker is set to move to the Black Cats on a season-long loan after they reached an “agreement in principle” with the French club over his transfer.

Cisse, who spent two-and-a-half seasons with Liverpool between the summer of 2004 and the end of 2006, had spoken of his desire to return to play in England this summer but it appeared he had missed the boat when he began the new campaign with Marseille.

But with just a week-and-a-half left in the transfer window, Sunderland have made their move, beating off a clutch of Premier League rivals for Cisse’s signature.

“We had the chance of replying to the offers of other clubs, like Manchester (City), but he as well as me said ‘no’,” said Diouf.

“People were perhaps expecting Djibril to move to a prestigious team. And Sunderland, without being among the great English clubs, are part of a league where clubs have all the economic power and sporting importance.

“With Sunderland, it isn’t an impulsive thing. But as he came to the end of this transfer window, he wanted to leave and showed a massive desire to play.”

Diouf added that Cisse was eager to move to revive his stalled international career.

The 27-year-old was not part of Les Bleus’ squad for Euro 2008, and being regularly benched at Olympique Marseille was not helping his chances of returning to the France set-up.

“It is a chance for him to get his life back in order, as far as his career and as far as the France team is concerned,” Diouf said.

Meanwhile, Wigan manager Steve Bruce insists he has no interest in signing former Newcastle defender Stephen Carr — and denies Michael Brown may be leaving the JJB Stadium.

Irish international Carr, 31, is available after being released by the Magpies at the end of last season.

Said Bruce: “I don’t know where the Carr story has come from. I can categorically say no to that one.

“I keep hearing the Brown rumour, but there’s nothing in it. In fact, I don’t see us doing anything before the transfer window shuts.

“We need a good squad, and I’ve only got three central midfield players.”