Marseille and Lyon both missed the chance to move firmly into the Ligue 1 title race as they battled out a 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome.

With Paris St Germain sitting pretty on 49 points in first place, a win for Marseille would have put them to within nine points and a victory for Lyon would have put them eight behind.

But after scoring twice each in an enthralling first half – Benoit Cheyrou and Evanilson Brandao put Marseille ahead before Bafetimbi Gomis and a Souleymane Diawara own goal levelled things up – neither side was able to take all three points.

French club Olympique Marseille have approached Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

It has been reported that Manchester City are ready to cut their losses on last summer’s £18m buy and sell him for less than HALF of their outlay as they look to drastically cut their squad.

That appeals to Marseille boss Didier Deschamps who only has a limited budget but wants to bring in a big-name striker and tentative enquiries found that Didier Drogba was way out of their price range and was not for sale.

More transfer news are out and it has been reported that Olympique Marseille are eyeing Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.

French newspapers have reported that Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is keen to bring the French youngster back to France.

“I think he is happy at Arsenal, but I can always ask,” Deschamps said with a smile last night.

Olympique Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed an approach from Liverpool for coach Didier Deschamps.

Dassier claims Deschamps is the man Liverpool want.

“It’s true, Liverpool’s executive director, Christian Purslow, called me Thursday morning,” the OM president told L’Equipe. “He speaks French very well, is very polite.

“I was expecting his call because I had heard of Liverpool’s interest in Didier. He asked me if I would allow him to meet Didier and (agent) Jean-Pierre Bernes.

“I replied that I would never forbid anyone from meeting whoever.

“I also kindly indicated to him that there wasn’t the slightest chance for him to pinch our coach. Even in his dreams.”

Deschamps’ contract runs out at the end of next season and he is yet to pen an extension.

Interesting news are out and it has been reported that Olympique Marseille are ready to snap up Liverpool fullback Fabio Aurelio.

Local newspapers report that Aurelio is set to join French club Marseille after being released by Liverpool.

The 30-year-old Brazilian defender left Anfield after rejecting a pay-as-you-play deal and Marseille are now in talks with the free agent.