Crystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda could be looking at a surprise return to Marseille in the near future, according to L’Equipe (h/t Sport Witness).

Mandanda met with Marseille’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta after his knee operation in December. While no official talks over a return took place, it’s believed that Marseille have left the door open for the goalkeeper to return to the club.

The French international joined Palace in the summer on a free transfer from Marseille after his contract at the Stade Velodrome expired and he’s made nine Premier League appearances for Palace, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of them, but suffering a knee injury in November which is expected to sideline him until mid-January.

It’s believed the former Marseille captain has a soft spot for his former club and feels a bit nostalgic about the Ligue 1 side.

With Palace battling against relegation, you wouldn’t blame Mandanda for seeking an exit but Sam Allardyce would look to keep the club’s No.1 stopper at the club to help their survival bid.