Marseille are currently in negotiations with Hellas Verona for the transfer of Ivan Ilić.
L’Équipe report that the French outfit have already agreed personal terms with the player. Ilić, 21, would remain in Serie A on loan at Verona until the end of the season if Marseille’s proposal is successful.
Sporting director Javier Ribalta has prepared an offer of €18m (including bonuses), according to the report.
Torino were confirmed to be in talks with Verona for Ilić last week. They were suggested to have lodged a bid of €11m plus €4m in potential add-ons.
Regardless of Marseille taking a seat at the Verona boardroom table, Torino have not given up their pursuit of Ilić according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Torino executives met with Ilić’s agents, RnB Sport, yesterday with the aim of ousting Marseille from the front of the queue.
Ilić signed permanently with Verona in 2021 following a season-long loan from Manchester City for €7.5m. There is a clause, however, which entitles City to €4.8m if Verona are to sell Ilić during his first contract at the club. This has led Verona to seek a figure closer to €20m to gain a welcomed profit on their defensive midfielder.
Various rumours alleged that Brighton & Hove Albion saw a €15m proposal rejected by Verona last week, as Foot Italia reported. Napoli were also said to be among the interested suitors ahead of the January transfer window.
As Marseille are willing to spend more than Torino for Ilić’s signature as well as allowing him to finish the season with relegation battlers Verona, a deal with the Ligue 1 side appears most likely for the Serbia international at this point in the race.