MARSEILLE are ready to battle with Sunderland and other Premier League clubs in a bid to try to lure Bafetimbi Gomis back to France.

As revealed in The Northern Echo last month, Gomis is a realistic target for the Black Cats as Sam Allardyce looks to strengthen his attacking ranks.

And while the 30-year-old has never been Allardyce’s priority target this summer, he has always remained under serious consideration.

The Sunderland boss has admired Gomis as a player since long before his move to Swansea City two years ago and would be happy to have him in his squad for next season if the deal was right.

But Marseille have expressed their own wish in landing the former Lyon and St Etienne striker to replace Michy Batshuayi, who is expected to leave after the Euros and Crystal Palace have already made a £30.5m bid for him.

The south of France club have also lost Steven Fletcher since the end of last season because he was only on loan from the Stadium of Light, but Gomis’ financial terms could prove a problem for them.

Allardyce is desperate for a new striker to provide another option to asking Jermain Defoe to lead the line on his own week in and week out.

Sunderland have so far failed to persuade West Ham to part with Diafra Sakho for less than the £15m valuation placed on him. Roma were also approached to discuss the availability of Edin Dzeko, but nothing has been concluded on either front so far.

There have been other discussions with West Ham for defender James Tomkins. Allardyce is keen to be reunited with the centre-back, although the Hammers’ £11m valuation has left Sunderland weighing up their next move.

The Wearside club are believed to have verbally offered to pay West Ham around the £8m mark but, like they found in their pursuit of Sakho, they have found the Londoners’ decision makers in no room to budge.