Marseille begin negotiations to re-sign Barthez

Marseille tonight confirmed they have opened negotiations with Manchester United to re-sign Fabien Barthez.

The France goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the summer signing of American Tim Howard and Marseille coach Alain Perrin confirmed talks were underway.

Perrin told www.olympiquedemarseille.com: “We have already made propositions through agents.

“They were not initially accepted but they have enabled us to open talks which tends to show we are not so far away.

“(Marseille director) Philippe Piola is today in Manchester to negotiate with the English club. However, figures I have seen in the press bear no relation to reality.”

Marseille need a keeper to cover for injured reserve Cedric Carasso although it is unlikely Barthez would move unless he was guaranteed the starting spot currently occupied by 27-year-old Croat Vedran Runje.

“The Barthez option is without doubt more interesting than the others,” said Perrin.

“Depending on the position of Manchester’s directors it could even be in pole position. The dossier is moving but there are details still to be worked out.

“It would be a great coup for Marseille.”