Brandão offered second chance by Marseille

UEFA Champions League hopefuls Olympique de Marseille have cut short the loan deal of Brandão to Grêmio FBPA and recalled the Brazilian striker to the Stade Vélodrome for a minimum two-month period.

The former FC Shakhtar Donestk forward left Marseille before the end of last season on disciplinary grounds but, following a meeting between coach Didier Deschamps and club officials, the Ligue 1 outfit have had a change of heart. "Brandão is the only player of interest who is financially viable for us," said Deschamps. "That is why he will be joining us."

Marseille have been left with a void to fill up front with Jordan and André Ayew bound for the African Cup of Nations and possibly absent until 12 February. The 31-year-old Brandão, who scored 16 goals in 65 Ligue 1 appearances for OM after signing from Shakhtar in January 2009, was loaned last April to Cruzeiro FC, where he struggled to find his feet, but Brandão rediscovered his form after moving to Grêmio, scoring four goals in seven starts.

Marseille host FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on 22 February with the return leg at San Siro on 13 March.