BARTHEZ DEAL DONE

Last updated : 30 December 2003 By editor

Marseille have confirmed that Manchester United keeper Fabien Barthez will sign for them on Thursday or Friday.

The French club are keen to strengthen their goalkeeping options, and Barthez has long been lined up for a loan move with Fifa blocking the deal from going through until the transfer window reopens.

"We will try to make him sign as soon as possible," said Marseille chairman Christophe Bouchet.

"If possible, on January 1 or January 2."