Fabien Barthez has spoken of his delight at the prospect of moving to Marseille and claims there is no difference in his mind between playing for the French club or Manchester United.
The French international keeper has not played a competitive game for United since April and will move to Marseille on loan if he gets FIFA clearance to do so outside the transfer window.
Barthez told Marseille's official website, www.olympiquedemarseille.com: "From the moment I learned Manchester and Marseille were talking I was in quite a rush to come here [to Marseille].
"I am delighted but there are still details to sort out between the clubs and myself.
"Manchester United are second in the Championship and doing well in the Champions League. OM are in exactly the same situation. For me, there is no difference between the two."
Barthez was a member of the Marseille squad which won the European Cup in 1993 and if his move goes through will challenge their Croatian keeper Vedran Runje for the number one spot.
He added: "Marseille are a special club for me - I started out here really. My wish was to play for Marseille. I consider I belong here. I have many links with the club and the region. It's ideal so I jumped at the chance."
Marseille hope FIFA will give them emergency clearance because their reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carasso is injured.