Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed
Liverpool have contacted him about Didier Deschamps, but he has
told them they have no chance of tempting the Ligue 1 winning coach
away from Stade Velodrome.
Speculation has been rife over who will take charge at Anfield
since Rafael Benitez left the club at the beginning of the month,
with Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson among the current frontrunners.
However, Dassier claims Deschamps is the man Liverpool want.
"It's true, Liverpool's executive director, Christian Purslow,
called me Thursday morning," the OM chief 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. However, Dassier is confident of keeping
the former Marseille midfielder.
He continued: "With Didier, we have a trusting relationship.
"I hope he will commit himself to us for another year. I'm not
worried.
"It's true also that Didier is flattered to see a great European
club interested in him."
The Press Association
