Marseille secure first January recruit

Marseille are set to complete the deal for Palermo defender Abdelhamid El Kaoutari, Il Corriere dello Sport has learned.

In spite of the arrival of Karim Rekik and Rolando, OM have been on the lookout for central defenders, which is not that surprising considering that Nicolas N’Koulou is nearing the exit door.

And it appears that the search is now over as Il Corriere dello Sport claims that Ahmed El Kaoutari will soon end up at Stade Velodrome.

The Moroccan centre-back was not present as Palermo squad resumed training after the short winter break, which is enough to suggests he will soon leave the Rosanero.

Marseille officials are well aware of El Kaoutari’s qualities, with the 25-year-old having spent eight years at Montpellier before moving to Italy last summer.

The Morocco international began the season as a first team regular at Stadio Renzo Barbera, making seven Serie A outings, but eventually lost his place in the side.