Marseille ‘look to have beaten Leeds, Leicester and Napoli to sign Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi’

Marseille look to have signed Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, despite interest from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A.

Ounahi, 22, won a lot of new interest after his role in getting the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in December, making the Angers player a hot prospect across Europe. 

Serie A leaders Napoli, as well as Premier League sides Leeds United and Leicester City were among those rumoured to be in pursuit of Ounahi, who joined Angers in 2021.

However, it appears that the midfielder looks set to stay in France, with reports of a €10m (£8.77m) deal from Ligue 1’s bottom side to Marseille, who currently sit third in the country’s top league.

RNC Sport said Ounahi had been acquired by Marseille on a four-and-a-half year deal, which will take him through to the end of the 2026-27 season. 

‘Only a few details’ need to be ironed out before he is confirmed amongst Igor Tudor’s squad for the remainder of the season, as Marseille look to get themselves back amongst France’s Champions League spots.  

Leeds and Leicester were among the clubs thought to be pursuing World Cup star Ounahi  

Sportsmail previously reported that Leeds had distanced themselves from the possibility of hiring Ounahi, amid a change in approach for Jesse Marsch’s squad.  

Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes had also looked at a number of options to overcome the problems that plagued the start of their English league season, including the 22-year-old Moroccan.  

Meanwhile, Italian side Napoli were looking to purchase Ounahi, but allow him to remain on loan at Angers whilst the Serie A leaders tried to keep up their strong start to the season, and the club from south-west France sought to fight relegation. 

Jesse Marsch’s…