Marseille face battle to retain Lihadji

Marseille reportedly face a fight to keep hold of promising striker Isaac Lihadji after contract negotiations broke down. Lihadji is a graduate of Marseille’s academy and made his senior debut for the French outfit from the bench in the goalless draw with Dijon on September 24.
The 17-year-old was also handed further minutes as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Amiens on October 4 after some impressive displays in training.
Coaches at Marseille believe the teenager is a star of the future and have understandably opened contract talks to tie him down to a new deal.
However, reports claim those negotiations have stalled over the past few days after the club were unable to guarantee the hitman a more regular role in the starting XI.
His development hasn’t gone unnoticed across the Channel with Everton and Manchester United understood to be interested.
And that could lead to a standoff between the player and his current employers over the coming months as the January transfer window edges closer.
French publication L’Equipe also claims that there is a disparity in terms of financials with Lihadji’s camp hoping for a bigger salary.
The report goes on to state that Marseille are hoping to re-open talks this week in the hope of finding a compromise.
Lihadji has left his agent in charge of brokering a deal after travelling away to link up with the France squad for their Under-17 World Cup campaign in Brazil.