Marseille to bid for Aurier; Schalke in fresh assault on Cedric

Marseille to bid for Aurier

Marseille look set to challenge Arsenal for Toulouse full-back Serge Aurier, according to Le Parisien.

The highly rated defender is likely to become one of the hottest commodities in the summer transfer window and everything suggests he will be leaving le Tefece for a bigger club.

And while Premier League giants Arsenal reportedly see him as a perfect replacement for Bacary Sagna, Le Parisien reports that Marseille are keen as well.

The same source has suggested that OM chairman Vincent Labrune has resumed talks with the player’s agents with a view of luring him to Stade Velodrome.

Marseille are also looking at Mauricio Isla, but Aurier remains their number one target for the right-back position.

The 21-year-old, who scored 6 goals in 34 league matches for Toulouse last term, will be in the starting line-up when Ivory Coast face Greece in the final group game, with the Elephants 1/1 favourites to win.

Schalke in fresh assault on Cedric

Bundesliga outfit Schalke have submitted a new proposal for Sporting Lisbon full-back Cedric Soares, reports A Bola.

The Miners seem keen on luring the talented defender to Veltins Arena this summer and they earlier tested Sporting’s resolve with a €3.5 million bid.

But, with the initial proposal swiftly rejected, Schalke have now offered €5 million for the 22-year-old right-back.

It is believed that the Lions are holding out for €7 million, but with the two sides not too far apart at the moment, there is a good chance an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.

Cedric Soares has come through Sporting’s famous youth school and went on to make 43 league appearances for the club.

The interesting thing is that he was born in Gelsenkirchen, meaning that he could be returning to his hometown this summer.

Oliver Torres set for Porto move

Spanish daily newspaper Marca has learned that FC Porto are set to complete the signing of Spanish midfielder Oliver Torres from Atletico Madrid.

The Dragons seem to have agreed to sign the youngster on a season-long loan, with the deal set to be made official in the coming days.

Porto boss Julen Lopetegui is a keen admirer of the 19-year-old having coached him in Spain youth sides and he was the one who insisted on Torres’ arrival.

The former Spain Under-21 coach plans to hand the youngster a more central role after he was played out of position during the loan spell with Villarreal.

Oliver Torres is widely regarded as one of Atletico Madrid’s hottest prospects, but club officials believe he is not yet ready to star in Diego Simeone’s side.

After making just nine appearances for Villarreal last term, the attacking midfielder should be playing more regularly at Estadio do Dragao.

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