Olympique Marseille agree fee for Loic Remy
Olympique Marseille have edged closer to the signing of highly rated young striker Loic Remy from Nice after agreeing a fee for the 23-year-old. That fee has not been revealed, but the transfer is not a foregone conclusion with several obstacles said to be in the way.
According to Provence, the French Ligue 1 champions have not yet agreed personal terms with the player while other clubs are also actively pursuing the France international.
German Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim have matched Nice’s valuation of Remy. Nice president Gilbert Stellardo told reporters that the striker will hold talks with both Marseille and Hoffenheim before deciding which team to join.
Another potential roadblock will be in the form of a clause in Remy’s contract with stipulates that his former club Olympique Lyonnais has five days to equal Marseille’s bid or improve upon it before any transfer can take place.
Several other teams have been in the hunt for Remy this summer, with English Premier League outfits Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham United, Everton, Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur all reported to have a strong interest in securing his services but unless a bid from one of those teams is forthcoming in the next few days, he will not be plying his trade in England this season.
Remy started out his career with Lyon and made his professional debut in a match against fierce rivals Saint-Etienne in October 2006. In January 2008, he was sent out on loan to top flight rivals Lens. He enjoyed a successful spell there which saw him play 12 times and score four goals while the team also reached the Coupe de le Ligue final.
Instead of returning to Lyon, Remy signed for Nice in a deal worth around eight million euros. In 74 appearances for the club, he has scored 28 times. The striker has also received recognition at international level, having played twice for the senior France side.
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