The striker is a free agent after leaving Valencia this summer.

A statement on Marseille's official website, www.om.net , read: "An agreement in principle has been found this Monday afternoon with Fernando Morientes.

"The Spanish striker, who played in the colours of Valencia in 2008/09, is available on a free transfer.

"He should be at Marseille on Tuesday to sign his contract."

Morientes, 33, has scored 27 goals in 47 appearances for Spain.

He played under Didier Deschamps, the new coach of Marseille, during the 2003/04 season when he spent a year on loan from Real Madrid at Ligue 1 side Monaco.

During that time, Morientes built up a great relationship with Deschamps as the principality club reached the final of the Champions League, losing 3-0 to Porto.

Morientes has also played for Albacete, Real Zaragoza and Liverpool.

He left Liverpool in 2006 to join Valencia but he rarely appeared for Los Che last season - he played 19 times in the Primera Division, scoring one goal.

If he does join OM, he will become their eighth summer signing, after Lucho Gonzalez, Stephane Mbia, Souleymane Diawara, Edouard Cisse, Cyril Rool, Elinton Andrade and Charley Fomen.

He will compete with Brandao as the club's chief striker.