Marseille president Pape Diouf has poured cold water on speculation that coach Eric Gerets will leave the club.

Marseille president Pape Diouf has poured cold water on speculation that coach Eric Gerets will leave the club if he is not able to sign his chief transfer targets in the January window.

It has been reported in sections of the French media that the Belgian wanted to quit OM and was on the look-out for a new club.

Gerets rubbished those claims last night after Marseille's 2-0 win at Auxerre, and Diouf did the same today.

"A departure of Eric Gerets would absolutely not be linked to unsuccessful recruitment," he said.

"There are three people at the club who decide our recruitment policy - Eric Gerets, (sporting director) Jose Anigo and Pape Diouf.

"When we have to take a decision on who comes and who goes, it is a combined decision which is taken after weighing up the pros and cons and all the elements.

"So, when I see that people, based in Paris, have put out information speculating on the departure or not of Eric Gerets, allow me to condemn this type of approach."

Gerets wants to add firepower to his squad in January, but he withdrew an offer for Henrik Larsson when the Sweden striker took too long deliberating over the move.

His next target is Brandao and Diouf is hopeful of soon tying up a deal for the Brazilian, who plays for Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

"We are working on a dossier and hope to get a result quite quickly," he said.

Diouf also revealed defender Gael Givet could be on his way out of the club this January while attacking midfielder Elliot Grandin may be loaned out.