M'bia agrees move to Marseille

Olympique de Marseille have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign with the €12m signing of defensive midfielder Stéphane M'bia from Stade Rennais FC.

Four-year contract
The 23-year-old Cameroonian international, who can also play in central defence or on the right, has agreed a contract until summer 2013 with OM after passing a medical on Monday morning. M'bia, citing Marseille coach Didier Deschamps as an important factor in his decision to turn down a possible move to England, joined Rennes in 2004 from Kadji Sport Academy in his homeland and made 131 appearances for the club, helping them reach last season's French Cup final.

Five signings
He is one of five arrivals at the Stade Vélodrome this summer following Lucho Gonzalez, Édouard Cissé, Souleymane Diawara and Charley Fomen. There is likely to be a sixth on Tuesday when OM are expected to complete the signing of OGC Nice left-back Cyril Rool. The 34-year-old will provide back-up to Taye Taïwo. Last season's Ligue 1 runners-up will enter the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.