Karim Ziani is eyeing a move to Wolfsburg after becoming surplus to requirements at Marseille.
Marseille midfielder close to exit after being told he is not needed
Karim Ziani has his sights set on a move to Wolfsburg after Marseille manager Didier Deschamps told him he did not figure in his plans for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old only signed for the Ligue 1 club in summer 2007 but it already seems his time at the Stade Velodrome is up.
The midfielder had a rocky relationship with former l'OM coach Eric Gerets but the pair worked out their differences towards the end of the season to push eventual champions Bordeaux all the way in the title race.
German champions Wolfsburg have already had a reported €5million bid turned down last week but are expected to return with an improved offer, thought to be in the region of 10million Euros in the next few days.
"It's a disappointment," Ziani told
L'Equipe about the situation at Marseille. "I chose Wolfsburg, I really want to go there."
Eagerness
The Algerian international's desire to switch to the Bundesliga is heightened by the fact that former Stuttgart boss Armin Veh has taken over the reigns at Wolfsburg following Felix Magath's departure to Schalke.
"This is a coach who knows how I play. I am not going into the unknown. In a way, with him, I choose the faithful."
Ziani, who has never played outside of France, also pointed out that the German game would suit his attacking style of play but admitted that he would be sad to leave Marseille.
"There was a great atmosphere, even if, unfortunately, nothing was gained (in terms of titles)."
