OM fortunes continue to improve

Bleak outlook
Things looked bleak for Marseille as they entered this week, having lost 3-2 at Stade Rennais FC to make it their worst start to a season since 1969. They were also 2-0 down to RC Deportivo La Coruña ahead of the second leg of their UEFA Intertoto Cup final, only to record a stunning 5-1 victory on Tuesday which has earned the 2004 finalists a place in tomorrow's UEFA Cup draw.

Three titles
Giménez, a 30-year-old Argentinian who did not play in Basel's UEFA Champions League defeat by Werder Bremen last night, is expected to sign a two-year deal. The former CA Boca Juniors forward joined Basel from FC Lugano in 2001, but will now leave after scoring 93 league goals in 123 appearances, including 27 last term as he secured his third Swiss title.

Batlles to leave
Marseille have also reached an agreement with PSG for Cana, with the fee thought to be as much as €4m. "He will sign on Thursday for four seasons," said a statement on the southern club's website. The 22-year-old Albanian, who played six times in the Champions League group stage for PSG last season, will replace Laurent Batlles at the Vélodrome. The midfielder, 29, is returning to former side Toulouse FC.