Marseille and AS Roma in talks over player-plus-cash deal involving Evan N’Dicka and Ismaël Koné

Olympique de Marseille and AS Roma are in negotiations over a player-plus-cash deal involving Evan N’Dicka and Ismaël Koné, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Les Olympiens are looking to strengthen their defensive options by signing the Ivorian centre-back, while Koné would make the switch to Serie A.

The 22-year-old Canadian international spent the second half of last season on loan at Rennes, where he played at the club whose sporting director was Frederic Massara, who has since taken up a role at Roma. Massara is reportedly an admirer of the midfielder and could facilitate his arrival in the capital, this time on a permanent basis.

N’Dicka, who joined Roma last summer on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, is understood to be open to a move after a mixed first season in Italy. Marseille have already added one centre-back to their armoury this summer already, signing Englishman Conrad Jadon Egan-Riley (22) on a free transfer from promoted Premier League side Burnley.

But Roberto De Zerbi is hoping for at more signings at the back as he plans to move to a back four next season, with Les Phocéens returning to the UEFA Champions League. 

GFFN | George Boxall