Marseilles claim that they will open discussions with Liverpool this week about signing Djibril Cissé. The forward has spent the season on loan in France with a view to a permanent deal and is surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Pape Diouf, the Marseilles president, is considering renewing the loan or buying Cissé at a substantially lower price than the £14 million Liverpool paid Auxerre three years ago. He has two years left on his contract. “There is room for manoeuvre between what both sides want,” Diouf said. “We will discuss things this week.”

Cissé has not ruled out returning to the Barclays Premiership with a club other than Liverpool.

Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to remain in Barcelona, according to his father and agent, Arnor. The forward has been linked to Newcastle United and West Ham United. “He hasn’t been thinking about coming back to England and wants to do better in Barcelona having learnt how Spanish football is,” Arnor said. “I have not heard anything from any clubs in England.”

The agent of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has said that Birmingham City have not made an offer for the forward, who was at Charlton Athletic this season. “If Birmingham wanted to talk to Jimmy, he would be very interested to meet them,” Humphrey Nyman said. “He is eager to stay in the Premiership.” Birmingham want to take Johan Djourou, the defender, on loan next season, but do not expect a decision from Arsenal until July.

Norwich City are interested in signing Chris Sutton if he becomes available this summer. The forward left the club to join Blackburn Rovers in 1994. He played for Aston Villa this season. “I would always be interested if Chris Sutton became available,” Peter Grant, the Norwich manager, said.