Glen Johnson replacement snubs move to Liverpool - makes sensational u-turn

Rod Fanni has made a sensational u-turn by snubbing a move to Livgerpool in favour of French giants Marseille.

Marseille have confirmed they have reached an agreement with the 29-year-old to sign him in January, despite a move abroad being his number one priority.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson had previously identified Fanni as preference to replace wantaway right-back Glen Johnson.

The Anfield boss will now have to turn his attention to either Stephan Lichtsteiner or Alexander Anyukov and re-evaluate Liverpool’s final list of transfer targets.

Fanni admitted he would have liked to move abroad, although did not name Liverpool, but could not turn down the chance to join Marseille.

He was born in Martigues in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, of which Marseille is the capital.

"I've never hidden my desire to play abroad and this was my first priority," Fanni said. "But, when l'OM came in, it made me think. Marseille is a special club for me."