It is believed former Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony may favour a move to French giants Marseille despite being given permission to speak to the Ivory Coast international.
The 28 year-old attacker was given permission to speak regarding what would be a dream return home to South Wales, but they will face strong competition from Ligue One outfit Marseille.
Bony has seen his opportunities limited since joining Manchester City and was sent out on loan to Stoke City last season, where he made a mere 10 appearances, scoring on two occasions - ironically his two goals both came against the Swans as the Potters beat Swansea 3-1.
And according to French outlet La Provence, Marseille will offer competition for the former Vitesse Arnhem hotshot.
The Swans are thought to be keen on the Ivorian amid rumours regarding Fernando Llorente being linked with a £30 million deal with Premier League Champions Chelsea.
Bony was signed by the Swans in 2013 on what was then a Welsh record fee of £12 million on a four-year contract, and was an instant hit at the Welsh club - scoring a total of 26 goals in two seasons.
This warranted a move to Manchester City for a fee of £25 million, rising to £28 million - and it made Bony the most expensive African player of all time.
However, it hasn’t quite worked out for Bony at Manchester City - he’s made just 36 appearances at the Ethiad Stadium, and has six goals to his name.
This has prompted interest from the Swans to give him a chance to reignite his career, however if they want to sign the striker, they may have to go toe-to-toe with Marseille to secure his services.
(Featured image: Conceited 2)