Wiltord makes Marseille move

Olympique de Marseille have signed their second striker in as many days with the addition of former French international Sylvain Wiltord from Stade Rennais FC, while defender Gaël Givet has been loaned to Blackburn Rovers FC.

Six-month deal
Wiltord, 34, has signed a six-month contract after falling out of favour at Rennes, for whom he played in the UEFA Cup earlier this season. Capped 92 times and a UEFA EURO 2000™ winner, where he scoring in the final against Italy, Wiltord previously played for FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais. Marseille coach Erik Gerets is delighted to have added him a day after the arrival of Brandão from FC Shakhtar Donetsk, saying: "Following many injuries to my frontline I wanted a centre-forward. I did not hesitate about taking him on board for this period."

Givet departure
Meanwhile, Marseille have allowed France defender Givet – who has not appeared this season – to move to Blackburn for the rest of the season with the option for a permanent transfer. Marseille lie fourth in Ligue 1 and after finishing third in their UEFA Champions League group will take on FC Twente in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 on 19 and 26 February.