Marseille enter market to take Erbati

Olympique de Marseille will make Moroccan international defender Amine Erbati their first summer signing.

Done deal
The 26-year-old centre-back will join the Stade Vélodrome outfit on a three-year contract from Raja Club Athletic de Casablanca, subject to a successful medical. Marseille president Pape Diouf said: "He is an international footballer with qualities that have impressed our scouts. Given that we aren't paying an excessive fee for him, we have quickly agreed terms with both the club and the player."

Curious career
Since 2004, Erbati has played on loan with sides in Libya, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. His former national-team coach Henri Michel said: "You could say his career choices have been curious. But I can tell you that he is a player blessed with many qualities." Erik Gerets's Marseille finished third in Ligue 1 and will enter next season's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.