Marseille are determined to sign Yohan Cabaye and are confident a deal can be done, according to the Daily Mirror.
It is claimed Crystal Palace want £16m for Cabaye but that Marseille are nevertheless keen to do business.
The 31-year-old Frenchman previously worked with Marseille boss Rudi Garcia at Lille.
Cabaye is said to be one of a number of players Palace boss Sam Allardyce is willing to listen to offers for in an attempt to raise money for new signings.
However, Allardyce has recently sought to play down speculation of a possible player exodus – and denied reports that striker Christian Benteke is for sale.
Allardyce was said to be willing to part with the Belgian striker in order to fund new signings during this month’s transfer window.
“Unless the chairman knows any different from me, Christian Benteke is not for sale,” Allardyce said at a recent press conference.
“At the moment he is a Crystal Palace player. I am planning on him being here at the end of the window. He has a major part to play.
“We have to play better off Christian and get that ball in the box for him, where he is particularly dangerous with his head.”