Player feels uncomfortable at Crystal Palace, has been speaking to other club

 

Rumours about Steve Mandanda leaving Crystal Palace to return to Marseille won’t stop until the transfer window closes, despite a deal being unlikely during the current window because the goalkeeper wants to complete a season in English football.

When the January transfer window does close then the rumours will start again and be directed at the summer, which looks a likelier possibility. French newspaper L’Equipe have repeatedly covered Mandanda’s alleged unease at Crystal Palace, and they touch on it again on Monday.

Looking at possible Marseille recruits, L’Equipe say the club keeps a ‘constant link’ with Mandanda. This has been helped by the footballer returning to Marseille for treatment on his knee injury, and then for help with returning to full fitness.

Mandanda has spoken to Marseille director of football Andoni Zubizarreta, and the French club are looking for a goalkeeper, but patience may be key.

Sam Allardyce has been minded to lean towards Wayne Hennessey, with there being a familiarity in the coaching staff with the Wales goalkeeper, and Mandanda returning to Marseille in the summer could work out perfectly for everyone involved.