Manchester United have agreed terms with Olympique Marseille for Eric Bailly.
La Provence says Marseille are now deep in talks with the centre-back over personal terms.
The loan deal includes a clause to buy Bailly permanently for £8.5million next summer.
And it becomes obligatory if Marseille qualify for the Champions League.
They must therefore first strike terms with Bailly on a personal contract before the loan deal can go through.
But the defender is keen on making the move and talks are expected to go smoothly this weekend.