Marseille will not part with key men in January, but are keen on Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba: Would be of interest to Marseille if a deal could be done

Marseille have no intention of sanctioning sales in January and would be keen on bringing Didier Drogba back to France.

Club chairman Vincent Labrune insists the club are under no financial pressure to sell once the transfer window re-opens, meaning interested parties would have to part with big money in order to push a deal through.

France international striker Loic Remy is among those to be regularly linked with a move away from Stade Velodrome, but he is among those Marseille are planning to retain.

Speculation has suggested that the right offer would force the Ligue 1 title hopefuls' hand, but Labrune has attempted to rubbish such reports before they get out of control.

He told RMC: "Winter sales? We absolutely do not have to sell in January. We want to keep the most competitive team possible and the best players will not be allowed to leave.

"Has a door opened for Loic Remy? That is a misunderstanding among journalists."

On possible reinforcements and the likelihood of being able to bring former fans' favourite Drogba back to the club on a short-term loan, Labrune added: "If we need reinforcements we will look to do something. If there is a good deal to be done, we would look at it.

"Drogba? Rules are preventing it at the moment. It would be very difficult. If Drogba wants to come in January we would think about it, but then there is the Africa Cup of Nations."