Marseille close in on Balde deal

Marseille are confident of capturing Celtic defender Bobo Balde this week.

The 29-year-old has had a miserable start to the new campaign, suggesting his mind is elsewhere.

The Guinean international was expected to leave during the pre-season after claiming that Bayern Munich were in for him but it now appears that he will get his wish to leave.

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo said: “The Balde deal should be done. I’ve seldom seen somebody who has such a desire to join us.

“He knows the club and he’s ready to leave the stability of a good contract in Glasgow to Marseille. He has a strong personality and has all the essential qualities of a good defender.”