TAIWO SET FOR MADRID SWITCH

Taiwo, who has been hankering on a move away from Marseille in search of first team football, is expected to finalise the deal on Wednesday.

According to the player's agent, Michael Coker, only minor details between both clubs need to be sorted out.

“I'm now in Madrid and everything is almost done,” Coker told BBC Sport on Tuesday. “I have been in a long meeting with the club's director [Jesus Pitarch], and he is excited knowing everything is almost sorted out.

“We had little challenges at some points but right now everything is back on track with the player and clubs involved.”

The 25-year-old joined Olympique Marseille from Nigerian side, Lobi Stars, in 2004 and has been a regular at the club until last season. He won the French double with Marseille last season.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were also said to be interested in his services, despite Marseille's President, Jean Claude Dassier, saying Taiwo will not leave.