Marseille confirm Liverpool contact for Deschamps

(GSM) – Olympique Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed that Liverpool have made contact with him for permission to speak to Didier Deschamps.

Following Rafael Benitez’s departure from the club at the beginning of the month, speculation has linked the Reds with top coaches across Europe with Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson among the current frontrunners.

However, Jean-Claude Dassier claims Ligue 1 winning coach Deschamps is the man Liverpool want.

But the OM president insists they have no chance of tempting the Ligue 1 winning coach away from Stade Velodrome.

“It’s true, Liverpool’s executive director, Christian Purslow, called me Thursday morning,” the OM chief told L’Equipe. “He speaks French very well, is very polite.

“I was expecting his call because I had heard of Liverpool’s interest in Didier. He asked me if I would allow him to meet Didier and (agent) Jean-Pierre Bernes.

“I replied that I would never forbid anyone from meeting whoever.

“I also kindly indicated to him that there wasn’t the slightest chance for him to pinch our coach. Even in his dreams.”

Deschamps’ contract runs out at the end of next season and he is yet to pen an extension.

However, Dassier is confident of keeping the former Marseille midfielder.

He continued: “With Didier, we have a trusting relationship.

“I hope he will commit himself to us for another year. I’m not worried.

“It’s true also that Didier is flattered to see a great European club interested in him.”