MARSEILLE - Marseille have rejected an approach from Manchester City for striker Djibril Cisse.
Cisse has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window after failing to secure a regular starting role at OM this season.
Pape Diouf, the president of the Mediterranean club, revealed on Tuesday that City had inquired about the services of Cisse, but that he had turned them down.
"He is wanted, that is for sure," said Diouf. "I myself have been approached by Manchester City (for Cisse's services), but I turned it down categorically."
The likes of Blackburn, West Ham and Portsmouth have also been linked with the France international, who completed a permanent move to OM from Liverpool last summer.
Cisse has been forced to play second fiddle to Mamadou Niang up front for the French side this campaign and has scored just two goals in Ligue 1.
But with Senegal forward Niang having left for the African Nations Cup, Cisse - who was on loan at OM last season - is set for an extended spell in the first team.
Diouf insists the 26-year-old is going nowhere.
"I want to be clear - Djibril Cisse will not leave. He will stay at OM until the end of the season," he added.
"I have always wanted to rediscover the Djibril that we signed, the efficient Djibril.
"I have never doubted his abilities, his qualities. He got through difficulties last year and I have no doubt that he will get out of them again this season.
"With everything that he has had to endure, read, see and hear, I understand that it piles the pressure on him to leave, having been contacted by an English club that is among the leading teams in their league.
"But when he and myself discussed this, he understood my position - he understood that I will not let him leave and he has no problem with me."
Cisse has started Marseille's last three matches, and was on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Beauvais in the Coupe de France last 64 on Saturday.
Diouf is confident there will be a gradual improvement in the striker's form the more he plays.
"There has been something bubbling underneath in the last few matches, there is a clear return to form," he said.
