Transfer News : Marseille close in on Larsson loan

Marseille coach Eric Gerets has said he is confident of landing Swedish veteran Henrik Larsson on loan in the transfer window.

Gerets, who would also like to snap up Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian star Brandao as he seeks to bolster his forward line in the second half of the season, last week identified Larsson, even at the age of 37, as a "true pro" who could spark his side in the second half of the season.

"I hope things will come to fruition in the hours or the days ahead - yes, with Larsson it's possible," Gerets told reporters.

The Swedish international veteran has just finished the season with Helsingborg and Marseille are interested in a six-month loan, rather along the lines of the Swede's arrangement two seasons ago when the former Celtic and Barcelona star had a brief spell with Manchester United.

The French club, fifth in the table six points off leaders Lyon, need a forward badly with Mamadou Niang having fractured his foot. Asked to respond to reports in Turkey linking his side with Galatasaray striker Umit Karan, Gerets said the player would like to join but added he was unsure as to his form.