Marseille are reported to be keen on a permanent deal for Matt O’Riley.
But the on-loan Albion midfielder will have his more immediate thoughts on a Champions League battle with Newcastle at Stade Velodrome.
O’Riley has settled in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad although he only had 20 minutes on the pitch in Friday’s 5-1 derby win at Nice.
Reports emerged via outlets including Sky Sports that OM would like to open talks with Albion over a more permanent move with an eye on January.
Neither major daily newspapers in Marseille had reported the story on Monday evening.
Albion fans will be aware O’Riley, who is represented by his father, was speculatively linked with various clubs, mainly in Italy, during the summer before starting the season in the Albion team.
He scored from a penalty in the opening game against Fulham before a move to Marseille materialised quickly after he had been left out of the side to face Manchester City.
The transfer talk has started early ahead of the mid-season window with O’Riley reported to be of likely interest to various clubs across Europe.
De Zerbi has guided Marseille to second place so far in the table but they have ground to make up in the Champions League.
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The former Albion boss said: "Newcastle are a strong team, with a great physical presence and a superb coach. They have a top-level European midfield.
“They are a physical team that plays well, with a lot of speed in their transitions and down the wings, with Gordon, Barnes, and Elanga. But in football, these qualities aren't enough to win.
“There's also motivation and courage.”
O’Riley has played in ten league games for Marseille, including six starts.
He has featured in four Champions League games, starting three and going on as a half-time substitute against Sporting in Lisbon.
