Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has revealed which clubs made approaches to him to sign during the January transfer window.
The experienced stopper confirmed earlier this week that while he would not be leaving OM during the current transfer window, he would be open to switching clubs during the summer, finally seeking a move away from the Stade Velodrome.
In an earlier statement, as per Goal, the stopper revealed that he had had various offers from clubs in January but that he’d decided—due in no small part to his attachment to Marseille and his responsibilities as captain—that he’d be sticking around for now at least.
However, in an interview with L’Equipe [as per Goal], the stopper has opened up about the Premier League sides that wanted him ahead of a move in January.
“I had very advanced contacts (Aston Villa, Norwich City and Newcastle), and propositions (Besiktas),” the stopper confirmed.
“But I needed time to think, and I have arrived at the conclusion that today, the best option for me is to continue with the Marseille adventure.”
Conspicuous in their absence from Mandanda’s list of suitors are Liverpool, who have been tipped to be in for the stopper.
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In December, French sources [as per the Express] revealed that the Phoceens had offered their keeper to various prospective buyers, with the tabloid noting that Liverpool were one of the clubs keen on the experienced keeper.
Mandanda’s latest revelations suggest that the Reds may have to persist with under-performing Simon Mignolet for the time being, with Adam Bogdan demonstrating against Exeter City that he’s not yet in a position to challenge the Belgian stopper.