Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia looks to have rejected Stoke in favour of agreeing terms with Marseille. Potters chairman Peter Coates confirmed that a decision was left in the hands of the Cameroon international, who has been a target for Everton in the past.

"The ball is very much in the court of the player and his club," Coates told The Sentinel.

"We have nothing like agreed any terms, that is way too premature. At the moment we are a million miles from doing a deal."

However, following a meeting with Marseille officials on Friday, Mbia has revealed a deal is now agreed with the French giants.

Mbia told L'Equipe: "I want to win titles, that is why I have chosen l'OM.

"I have not signed anything yet, but it is done.

"I am very happy. Didier Deschamps has definitely persuaded me."