Marseille's president has refused to 'close the door' on bringing Paul Pogba back to France.
Pogba's four-year drug ban was reduced to 18 months earlier this season, meaning the former Manchester United midfielder could return to the grass as early as March next year.
Although his suspension was shortened by approximately two and a half years, he parted ways with his club Juventus shortly after news broke of his impending comeback, making him a free agent.
As such, a number of clubs have been linked with one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.
Corinthians in Brazil have been linked in what would be a surprising move, while Manchester City – even more surprising – have also been linked in some reports.
However, Marseille have been consistently linked with Pogba's services, with former France teammate Dimitri Payet personally sanctioning a move to the Ligue 1 title contenders.
Adrien Rabiot, another former team-mate for both club and country, also expressed his hopes of linking up with Pogba again after signing for Marseille on a free transfer last summer.
On Wednesday morning, Marseille president Pablo Longoria was asked at a press conference about the club's ties with Pogba.
“I'm not closing the door because he is a world-class player,” he said. 'We have to analyze as he is on the market and it is always good to take advantage of these opportunities and have great players in your team.
'There are no advanced discussions with him. We will hold an internal meeting to set all the objectives for the transfer window.
'He is a player I respect, but we have to analyze. No decision has yet been made on his case.”
The player himself has already told the media that he is open to a return to Ligue 1, although that was hardly a convincing statement of support.
'Playing in France?' He said this to L'Equipe in October. 'Why not? You don't know what tomorrow will bring. Why wouldn't I play in Ligue 1, I wouldn't be obliged to say no.'
Marseille are currently second in the top flight behind Paris Saint-Germain, seven points behind Monaco only on goal difference.
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