Balde deal 'still alive' say Marseille

Marseille claim their bid to sign Celtic star Bobo Balde is not dead despite confusion surrounding the deal.

Balde’s adviser Mick Oliver claimed the defender was on his way back to Scotland and was committed to the Hoops.

But the French club are adamant they are still in negotiations and hope to tie up the loose ends later today.

A Marseille spokesperson told PA Sport: “Bobo Balde is not now at Olympique Marseille but there are still negotiations going on and maybe at the end of the day we will find a solution and complete the transfer.

“Talks have not collapsed and the deal is still alive. There are only little problems stopping this going through and if it’s possible these problems will be finished at the end of the day. He still wants to sign for Marseille.

”The 29-year-old flew to France on Sunday and was expected to end his stay with the Glasgow giants.

Balde has a clause in his contract which will allow him to speak to other clubs and walk away for nothing but despite this his adviser claims he is still committed to Celtic.

Oliver told the Daily Record: “It isn’t Bobo’s fault if Marseille’s website jumped the gun and claimed he had as good as signed for them. Marseille never gave up where he is concerned.

“They have pursued him for he last six weeks but he has turned down their latest offer and is focused on Celtic 100%.

“Bobo has so far turned away Schalke, Werder Bremen, Birmingham and Newcastle to name but a few. What does that say about his loyalty to Celtic?”

Oliver added: “The next three weeks will be tough on Bobo because he always has to convince people this has nothing to do with money.

“If he had signed for Marseille it would have involved a significant drop in wages so there is more than money to think about.”