Marseille are pondering a bid for Nigeria left back Taye Taiwo, according to French newspaper La Provence.

French-Senegalese defender Massadio Haidara had been the leading candidate for the left back position. Only last week, it was announced that he has signed for Newcastle United. Now, the leaders of Marseille are considering Taye Taiwo.

Taye Taiwo is on loan at Dynamo Kiev from AC Milan, where he is under contract until the summer of 2014. Earlier reports from the French media claimed he was unhappy with life in Ukraine and wants to leave the Kievites in the January transfer window.

''But this is unrealistic,'' an official of Marseille was quoted as saying by La Provence.

Istanbul giants Galatasaray and Besiktas are also believed to be circling around the free-kick expert.

Photo Credit: Dynamo Kiev