Marseille sporting director provides update on Sunderland target Igor Paixao | OneFootball

Speaking to Canal Plus at the UEFA Europa League draw in Monaco, Olympique de Marseille sporting director Grégory Lorenzi provided an update on the transfer of Sunderland target Igor Paixao (26).

Paixao joined OM from Feyenoord last season for a €30m fee and, just 12 months later, the Brazilian could leave. Marseille and Sunderland are in talks regarding a transfer for the forward, although there is not yet any agreement between the clubs. There are also talks between the Premier League side and Paixao’s representatives. Get French Football News understands that the player’s representatives were in London for talks on Thursday.

Lorenzi told Canal Plus that there was not a “power struggle” between OM and Sunderland. Marseille’s sporting director added, “We want to keep our best players, and Igor is an important player for OM. It doesn’t mean that he will leave. There are still a few days left in the transfer window, and lots of things can happen. He is a player that is sought after. We also want to have a strong team, but there are also financial constraints (from the DNCG and UEFA) that mean that we have to find solutions. It isn’t easy.”

Asked directly whether Paixao could remain at the Vélodrome beyond the end of the transfer window, Lorenzi responded, “There are lots of possibilities. We don’t want to weaken our side but there are financial constraints.” Sunderland have until Tuesday to reach a breakthrough in negotiations with OM, who are still obliged to sell as the transfer window nears its end.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle