Marseille have revealed Abdoulaye Meite turned down a move to Middlesbrough.
Marseille have revealed Abdoulaye Meite turned down a move to Middlesbrough.Middlesbrough made a move to sign the versatile defender during last month's transfer window.
Bolton and Newcastle were also thought to be on Meite's trail after Marseille admitted they would listen to offers for the player.
Marseille have confirmed Middlesbrough made an offer for the 25-year-old, but that Meite's participation in the African Cup of Nations and his reluctance to move to The Riverside ended any hopes of a deal being done.
"We had an offer from Middlesbrough, but this offer arrived when Abdoulaye Meite had already left for the African Cup of Nations," l'OM chairman Pape Diouf told the club's official website.
"Anyway in the end he did not wish to join this club.
"He is under contract at l'OM and he is at the coach's disposal."
Meanwhile, Marseille have signed Argentine defender Renato Civelli on loan.
The 22-year-old Banfield man has signed a deal until the end of the season at Stade Velodrome.
