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Dianbobo Baldé's proposed move to Marseille looks to be in jeopardy after the Celtic defender flew back to Glasgow this morning.
The 29-year-old Guinea international had been expected to accept a pay cut and sign for the Mediterranean outfit last night, but talks broke down and his agent Mick Oliver claims he is fully focused on continuing his career with the Bhoys.
"It isn't Bobo's fault if Marseille's website jumped the gun and claimed he had as good as signed for them," Oliver told the Daily Record.
"Marseille never gave up where he is concerned. They have pursued him for the last six weeks, but he has turned down their latest offer and is focused on Celtic 100%.
"Bobo has so far turned away Schalke, Werder Bremen, Birmingham and Newcastle to name but a few. What does that say about his loyalty to Celtic?"
Nonetheless, with a clause in the Marseille-born stopper's contract allowing him to leave the Scottish giants for free before August 31, there may yet be another twist in the tale.
Indeed, Baldé's own manager Gordon Strachan already appears to be planning for life without him, despite the latest developments.
"We were on the look-out for defenders anyway so we should hopefully be able to do something relatively quickly if Bobo goes, because we are on the front foot in that respect," he explained.
"With Bobo, unfortunately there's nothing we can do. It's in his contract that he's allowed to speak to other clubs."
And Marseille do not seem to have given up the chase either, raising the possibility that they could come back with an improved offer before the end of the month.
"Bobo Baldé is not now at Olympique de Marseille, but negotiations are ongoing," said a club spokesman.
"Talks have not collapsed and the deal is still alive. He still wants to sign for Marseille."
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