Marseille determined to keep star duo

Marseille have insisted that they have the financial resources to fend off interest from Monaco in star duo Nicolas N'Koulou and Steve Mandanda.

L'OM captain Mandanda has been persistently linked with a move to the Premier League in recent seasons, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the rumoured potential suitors along with Monaco.

Central defensive linchpin N'Koulou has also been mentioned in connection with mega-rich Monaco's recent spending spree, but Marseille chairman Vincent Labrune is adamant that his side will stay strong ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

He is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "There was no concrete offer from Monaco to l'OM, and there was no concrete offer from Monaco to the player.

"Last summer lots of clubs tried to lure me with a fee, but one year later I am still waiting.

"There is no Mandanda case. Last summer we were in big financial trouble and we could have listened to propsitions, but now we are fine."

Monaco have confirmed their intention to challenge in Ligue 1 next season by securing the services of James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, with Falcao looking likely to follow suit.