Olympique Marseille chief Andoni Zubizarreta hit a Premier League roadblock this summer in his search for a new midfield signing.

OM are this morning finalising a €25m deal for AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman.

However, France Football says Zubi turned to Strootman only after a summer of frustration in attempts to strengthen OM's midfield.

Marseille failed with attempts for Morgan Schneiderlin at Everton and were beaten by Crystal Palace to the signing of former Schalke star Max Meyer.

Also on their shortlist was Josuha Guilavogui (Wolfsburg), while they were offered the services of Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City) and Gojko Cimirot (Standard Liege).