Seldom-Used Marseille Midfielder Draws Interest From Leeds, Southampton

One player who may be looking for a big break is Pape Gueye of Olympique de Marseille.

The 23-year-old midfielder is hardly getting the opportunity with Marseille, so it may be in his best interest if he moves to another club.

Of course, the Senegalese midfielder can only move if Marseille is offered a good price or package.

But considering he is the fourth choice for the team, team president Pablo Longoria could be open to a deal.

Longoria is believed to be looking at all options as he tries to balance the books heading into the January transfer window.

For a player who has only made just three starts across all competitions this season, Gueye could be a player worth dealing off but for a reasonable fee or package.

French outlet Jeunes Footeux reported that Leeds United and Southampton are monitoring Gueye's situation with his mother club.

As far as Leeds United is concerned, head coach Jesse Marsch is already looking for ways to improve the team ahead of the January transfer window.

On the other hand, Southampton could be looking for a loan deal with an option to buy.

Hence between Leeds and Southampton, the former could be a plausible choice considering Marseille and Longorio prefer a straight permanent transfer.

Ironically, this would not be the first time that Leeds would be linked to a player on the side of Marseille.

In the summer transfer window, the Peacocks tried to sign another player in the person of Bamba Dieng. Unfortunately, the deal fell apart.

This time around, it remains to be seen if the Whites can secure a deal and get Gueye. However, there are several factors to consider that could see this deal push through.

One is that with the Senegalese player not among the top guys in the pecking order of the Olympians, sending Gueye out for another player of future assets makes sense.

Moreover, new Marseille coach Igor Tudor does not appear to be fond of Gueye.

Instead, it appears he may lean more on another player in the form of ex-Aston Villa skipper Jordan Veretout.

Should he leave in the January transfer window, Gueye could end up getting a chance to showcase his talent elsewhere–possibly in the English Premier League.