[J_746]

Gregory Coupet has admitted to holding an interest in joining Paris St Germain this summer. The France international is currently in Spain with Atletico Madrid, but has revealed that he could be willing to head home.

Reports suggest PSG are keen to land the 36-year-old shot-stopper and Coupet has done little to play down that speculation. Having experienced a tough 12 months in the Primera Liga, following a move from Lyon, the French No.1 has conceded that an approach from PSG ould be difficult to turn down.

"My ambition is to play first-team football," Coupet told skysports.com.

"If a club such as PSG can offer me that, then I would be interested. But nothing has happened as yet so I don't want to comment."

With speculation mounting regarding Coupet's imminent arrival in the French capital, it has been suggested that current PSG keeper Mikael Landreau could be heading in the opposite direction. A number of clubs in Spain are believed to be keen on the 30-year-old, with Atletico and Espanyol among them.

Servet Cetin is confident his proposed move to Marseille will be pushed through as planned. The Galatasaray defender has been a target for the Ligue 1 giants since the winter transfer window and had appeared all set to complete a move to France over the coming weeks.

However, recent events in the Marseille boardroom, where Pape Diouf has resigned as club president, have thrown the deal into doubt. Reports have suggested that the l'OM hierarchy are now reluctant to pursue a €10million (£8.4m) deal and are contemplating pulling the plug. Cetin, though, is adamant the move is still on and admits he fully expects to be at Stade Velodrome next season.

"There are small obstacles, but nothing serious," he told LigTV.

"The chairman has left his position, but my agents are there sorting things out. If there are no last-minute surprises, we will complete the move."

Cetin's cause could be helped by the news that Marseille have moved swiftly to appoint Jean-Claude Dassier as Diouf's successor. The new president does, however, have a number of issues to resolve before turning his attentions to new recruits.

His first task will be to avert a management crisis, with sports director Jose Anigo threatening to quit following Diouf's departure. New coach Didier Deschamps has also hinted that he could leave his post before the start of the season, should he not be happy with Diouf's replacement.

FC Porto striker Lisandro Lopez is ready to accept an offer from Lyon, his agent has claimed. The Argentina international has impressed for Porto over the last few seasons and his exploits with the Portuguese champions have caught the attention of a number of clubs across Europe.

Lyon have already registered a formal interest in Lopez but Porto are standing firm over their €22million (£18.5million) valuation of the frontman. Lopez's agent Fernando Hidalgo has now indicated that the only thing left for the player to complete a move to Lyon are the negotiations between the two clubs.

"What I can confirm is that we have received from Lyon a very good offer that is to Lisandro's liking," Hidalgo told Maisfutebol.

"From our part there will be no problem. Right now we are just dependant on an agreement between the clubs. We cannot talk of a deal because at this point in time there is no agreement between the clubs. Lisandro will only agree to join Lyon after given clearance by FC Porto."

Meanwhile, Lyon winger Anthony Mounier is reported to have agreed terms on a four-year deal with Nice. There had been reports that Loic Remy could be set to move in the opposite direction, but Nice president Maurice Cohen has rejected the suggestions.

Cohen said: "We will start to talk with Lyon on Monday. Remy is untransferable. He will remain with us next term. He told me so last week before leaving for holidays."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says the club have an offer on the table for Paris St Germain striker Guillaume Hoarau. The forward is on the brink of signing a new contract at Parc des Princes, but could have his head turned by an offer from Lyon.

Aulas recently offered 10million euros (£8.4million) for the former Le Havre star and says the bid will remain on the table for another week. He is now waiting to discover if domestic rivals PSG are willing to do business for a player who scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

"This year we made an offer for a player at PSG," Aulas told Journal du Dimanche. "It is very high indeed - 10m euros - and it remains valid until the end of next week."

Hoarau joined PSG last year from Le Havre and he has also been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

Here are 4 rumours to whet your appetite for the moment. Post ONLY rumours in here. 100% confirmed deals (ie. confirmed on club websites NOT news sites) should be posted in a thread of its own on the Ligue 1 main page.

What are your thoughts so far on these rumours?

[CFC Skyline]

I just recently checked out Paris Saint-Germain's squad list in Wikipedia, Gregory Coupet is already there, he is going to wear number 14 shirt. But in the official French PSG site, it didn't mention anything about Coupet.

[J_746]

I just recently checked out Paris Saint-Germain's squad list in Wikipedia, Gregory Coupet is already there, he is going to wear number 14 shirt. But in the official French PSG site, it didn't mention anything about Coupet.

Fans/users on Wikipedia sometimes jump the gun regarding transfers. The official site is an official signing, Wikipedia is fan-edited.

[J_746]

Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes is a target for Ligue 1 side Lens according to reports in France. The 22-year-old is expected to leave Eastlands this summer after becoming surplus to requirements at City last term.

Newly promoted Lens are looking to cement their place in Ligue 1 next season and are said to be keen on the Swiss international although Monaco and St Etienne have also been linked with the player. Lens chairman Gervais Martel admitted that he knew of Fernandes but reminded the press that he had 28-year-old Nenad Kovacevic playing in the former FC Sion man's position.

"We know him well," he told Aujourd'hui. "But I remind you we have Kovacevic in the same position."

[J_746]

A clutch of middle-ranked Ligue 1 sides have been vying for the signature of Caen striker Steve Savidan for several weeks, however, L’Equipe has reported that the forward has chosen to make the jump to Monaco.

After scoring 14 goals for les Malherbes last season, Savidan confirmed himself as one of the top goal scorers in France, although his exploits were insufficient to prevent the Stade Michel d’Ornano side from falling through the relegation trapdoor.

Unsurprisingly, a whole gaggle of clubs fought over his signature, including Stade Rennais, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Toulouse. But ‘Savigol’s’ agent announced on Monday evening that a switch to Monaco would be the player’s next move. “This is the club he has chosen,” said Philippe Flavier.

Both Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais courted the striker, who turns 31 next week, when he was at the peak of his powers around the turn of the year. Big money moves were touted but Caen’s relegation has meant that they will have to shed several million euros from his value. Indeed, it is suggested that a €4 million transfer fee is likely to be agreed - less than the amount Caen bought him for from Valenciennes one year ago, a fee reported to be between €5-6m.

Savidan, who endured an arduous route to the peak of the domestic game, expects to complete the move on June 28.

Lille are closing in on the signature of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, according to a report in L’Equipe.

A whole host of goalkeeping changes in Ligue 1 this season have meant that departing custodians, such as PSG’s Landreau, have been linked with multiple sides. Indeed, it has been suggested that the international goalkeeper could have moved to Toulouse, where he would replace Bordeaux bound Cedric Carrasso, or Saint-Etienne.

However, Lille, who cut veteran goalkeeper Gregory Malicki from their squad late last season, are the side poised to pounce for the former Nantes star, who will drop down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes when Gregory Coupet completes his expected move to les Parisiens.

It is reported by the Parisian-based sports paper that Landreau’s move hit a minor hiccup when Xavier Thuilot, former CEO of the club, was sacked last week, prompting a rather unusual situation that saw Rudi Garcia – sacked as head coach of les Dogues only a fortnight previously – reinstated into his role. Garcia has since taken over negotiations and it appears that a move is on the horizon, despite reported interest from Spain, where Getafe and Atletico Madrid were believed to hold a candle for the 30-year-old.

The Nord outfit are currently seeking a replacement for Gregory Malicki, who fell out with the club’s staff at the tail end of last season. Meanwhile, the future of Ludovic Butelle, who joined on loan from Valencia last season, remains somewhat unclear. LOSC have hinted at their willingness to take him on as the club’s back-up stopper but have yet to make a move.

It may be the early stages of a relatively lengthy race, however, Olympique Marseille have stationed themselves as favourites to claim the signature of Porto’s midfielder Lucho Gonzalez as the player's agent has stated they are the only side to have made a concrete bid as yet.

Marseille head coach Didier Deschamps is keen to piece together his squad after a week of boardroom unrest, which will have destabalised his plans somewhat. A move for Galatasaray defender Servet Cetin appears to have stalled, however, progress is being made with regard to Lucho.

“The one coach to have made contact is Didier Deschamps,” the player’s agent is quoted as having said on Football365 when discussing the incredible ten sides vying for his signature. “Things are going very well.”

Real Madrid are rumoured to have been in contact with the player as well, however, the representative denies this. “These are lies," he affirmed. "It would obviously be flattering for Lucho to be contacted by Real, but we will not be waiting on the Spanish club. Our priority remains Olympique Marseille.”

Such revelations are promising for OM, who are badly in need of a boost after a difficult period off the park.

Savidan deserves Ligue 1 football. Hopefully he'll sign a good deal with a safe mid-table or upper-mid-table side in order for him to be able to score more goals as well as not having to fight relegation every season. He is a solid Ligue 1 player who may be able to impress Raymond Domenech once more and add to his single cap for France at the moment.

Landreau will be moving to a club of the same level if he goes to Toulouse or Lille. Saint Etienne should have been up there with them this year, but had an unfortunate flirt with relegation, so perhaps we'll see them back and firing on all cylinders next season. Landreau must now feel his time at PSG is over with the imminent signing of former France No.1 Gregory Coupet and would rather move than compete with a player of modern historical importance to French football. The interesting one in that article was Cederic Carasso to Bordeaux. It's no surprise Bordeaux will be looking for a new goalkeeper, but I was unsure Carasso would be allowed to move unless the price was fairly large. Toulouse will be looking to hang onto as many of their key players as possible with the likes of Carasso, Gignac, Sissoko and Pentecote being linked with moves away from the club. The price for Carasso may be high, however, considering his recent few call ups to the France side (though as 3rd selected goalkeeper behind Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda respectively). Carasso would be a very good signing for Bordeaux.

All I will say on the last one is that Lucho Gonzalez would be a major coup for any Ligue 1 side in my opinion. Be it Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, whoever...they'd all benefit from having a player of Lucho's qualities there in their squad.

[Bosko]

Sky Sports have reported that Marseille are eyeing Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia and Le Mans striker Gervinho to add to their squad that will be pushing for the Ligue 1 title next year.

It has long been rumoured that both players are looking for a way out of the French top-tier with a view to ply their trade in the Premier League.

However, despite Mbia's strong link with Everton coupled with the 23-year-old's admitted admiration for English football, it now seems that he would be just as happy to try his luck elsewhere in France.

"Marseille are a great team and to play in the Champions League would be a great challenge. I would love that," Mbia told skysports.com.

Ivorian hitman Gervinho also vocalised his willingness to make a move to the Stade Velodrome over the summer.

"Marseille and the Champions League would be great but I don't know. Le Mans will have something to say about it," he said.

Stéphane Mbia was heavily linked with a move away from Rennes last summer, but it never developed. Again, this summer, he been targeted by various clubs and it seems inevitable that he will depart. Didier Deschamps is clearly looking at a wide range of players. You only have to read this thread to see only a selection of the numerous names supposedly been targeted. What is evident is that he wants a central midfielder and a forward, both of real quality. For the central midfielder, Lucho González is first choice, but whether FC Porto and Olympique Marseille can reach a compromise with the transfer fee, is questionable. Mbia is a more achievable target. He would cost around £7.5 million and has himself already, in Ligue 1. He has not as technically gifted and thoughtful in possession, as González, but he is better physically and more all-action. What Olympique Marseille lack is someone who can really be forceful from central midfield. Lorik Cana is good defensive protection, while Benoît Cheyrou lies between defensive and attack. Mbia could be that player who bring something a bit different, who can support the attack, but also defend. Aside from his abilities, he is also versatile.

Didier Deschamps first choice forward appeared to be Lisandro López, but it now seems that Olympique Lyonnais are better positioned to conclude a deal, with López suggesting that he would be open to a switch. Gervinho first caught my eye at the most recent African Cup of Nations, then the Olympic Games. He is fantastic athletically, has blistering pace and is tidy in possession. In his something different to Mamadou Niang and Brandão. He does need to improve, however. He can be inconsistent, wayward at finishing and does not score enough goals. He does seem to have the potential to be quite special forward, with the right direction. Part of signing Gervinho would be funded by the sale of Djibril Cissé.

Also, off topic slightly, where will you be watching Ligue 1 next season, J, with the loss of Setanta Sports?

[J_746]

Also, off topic slightly, where will you be watching Ligue 1 next season, J, with the loss of Setanta Sports?

I've never actually watched it on Setanta . When I was in France I watched it on TV there (TF1 & Canal+). If I go back to France, i'll watch it there, if I stay in the UK, i'm sure there'll be something doing...internet streams or hope that a TV company buys the rights . ESPN seems keen to buy what Setanta had and start a footballing empire from there so one can hope .

Former Wigan striker Amr Zaki could move to Lyon, according to reports in France. It has been suggested that the 26-year-old is being lined up as a possible replacement for Karim Benzema, should his speculated move to Manchester United materialise.

Zaki, who scored 11 goals in 32 appearances during his loan spell with the Latics last term, says he will make an announcement on his future soon. Remaining tight-lipped on the subject, the Egyptian striker insists he is staying focused on getting match-fit before making any career decisions.

"I am nursing an injury at the moment but I will make an announcement very soon," he said. "At the moment I am not thinking about football."

[Bosko]

Former Wigan striker Amr Zaki could move to Lyon, according to reports in France. It has been suggested that the 26-year-old is being lined up as a possible replacement for Karim Benzema, should his speculated move to Manchester United materialise.

Zaki, who scored 11 goals in 32 appearances during his loan spell with the Latics last term, says he will make an announcement on his future soon. Remaining tight-lipped on the subject, the Egyptian striker insists he is staying focused on getting match-fit before making any career decisions.

"I am nursing an injury at the moment but I will make an announcement very soon," he said. "At the moment I am not thinking about football."

Amr Zaki and Karim Benzema would be an interesting partnership. Zaki is very much a penalty box forward, who contributes little in the build, but will score goals given a chance. Benzema is more mobile, likes to be involved, works the flanks and create goals, as well as scoring them. Both are physically strong and commanding in the air. If Zaki could be signed for around £6 million, that would represent a reasonable deal for Jean-Michel Aulas, but the suggestion from Wigan Athletic was that he was valued at around £11 million, which is too much for a player who has demonstrated some inconsistencies and has temperament issues. I am sure Lisandro López and Guillaume Hoarau remain more pressing targets.

[Newt Call]

i heard that Bordeaux are after Besiktas striker Bobo and they will officially bid next week, his price is around €9.5m.

[Vidic15]

Vieira has been linked with a move to PSG- stumbling block it seems will be his wages and a transfer fee.

[J_746]

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Hameur Bouazza has revealed that he would be willing to discuss a move to Ligue 1 this summer. A number of clubs in France are reported to be tracking the Fulham forward, with Paris St Germain and Lille believed to be leading the chase.

The Algeria international has struggled to hold down first-team football at Craven Cottage following his 2007 arrival from Watford, and he has spent spells out on loan at Charlton and Birmingham in recent years. He admits his lack of opportunities could force him to look elsewhere during the transfer window and he has left the door open to any French clubs wishing to make a move.

"I want to play first-team football and to play in France would be fantastic. France is a country I could feel welcome in." Bouazza told skysports.com.

"My ambition, though, is to play first-team football wherever I am - either in England or in France. But I do want to play at the highest level, because I believe I have the quality to play at the top level."

Source: Sky Sports

It'll be interesting to see what comes of this, as I can see him moving back to France. I'm not sure the aforementioned clubs are the right ones for him though unless they plan to move players out to accommodate him (which I cannot see happening for either Lille or PSG at this time). Many see him as the replacement for Michel Bastos, who will move to Lyon today, but Bastos will be very difficult to replace.

[J_746]

Several reports coming out of France and apparently Portugal are stating that Lyon have now agreed a fee for Porto defender Aly Cissokho. Cissokho was set to move to AC Milan but failed the medical on dental grounds. This would be the third high-fee paid by Lyon this summer after landing Lisandro Lopez (also of Porto) and Michel Bastos (from Lille).

Lyon are also in the running to sign last season's top goalscorer André-Pierre Gignac from Toulouse. The club had an official bid rejected by Toulouse, but chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has stated that Lyon will be making another bid for the player.

In other news, Atlético Madrid striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle has stated that he would be interested in a move to Marseille this summer. Marseille have already signed Lucho Gonzalez from Porto and could yet add the versatile striker to their ranks.

Sources: Goal.com (Cissokho), Goal.com (Gignac), Goal.com (Pongolle).

[Vidic15]

Stoke City's 29 year old Nigerian midfielder Seyi Olofinjana could move to AS Monaco for about 2.5 million euros.

[J_746]

OLweb.fr (the official website of Olympique Lyonnais) is reporting that the club have agreed a fee of €15m for Porto full-back Aly Cissokho. The transfer may go through subject to medical and contract agreement.

[J_746]

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Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has warned want-away striker Marouane Chamakh that he will not be sold to a lesser club. Chamakh has been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Sunderland and Blackburn this summer with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger admitting that he was considering a bid for the Moroccan.

The 25-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave Les Girondins after five seasons at the Stade Chaban Delmas. However Blanc believes that Chamakh should choose his options carefully and only leave Bordeaux if a bigger team come in for him.

"I can understand Marouane wanting to leave, even him wanting to go at any cost, but he must go to a club which merits him," he said.

"If this is not the case I might refuse his departure. If it does not work out he can stay at Bordeaux, it would not be a jail sentence to stay for another year after which he could have the promise of going elsewhere."

Meanwhile Lyon are reportedly monitoring the situation with club president Jean-Michel Aulas stating earlier this week that he would welcome Chamakh with 'open arms' if he decided to stay in France. Les Gones coach Claude Puel also confessed that they were interested in the frontman as they gear up to try and win back the title from Blanc's men.

"Chamakh is one of the players who (we) are interested in and would have the qualities needed to reinforce the squad," he said.

Source: Sky Sports

The 'lesser club' all depends on the opinion of the person making the comment. As Bordeaux are champions, I think this was a dig at Lyon's interest in the player. As Bordeaux are champions, that would put them on a higher platform than Lyon in Blanc's eyes. However, I personally would rather Lyon went all-out to get André-Pierre Gignac rather than Chamakh. Lyon need strikers, and I think there will be at least one more signed before the window is done.

Quote

Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in the dark over rumours of Premier League interest in his services. It is reported that the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have a liking for Sissoko, although neither club have commented on the speculation. The 19-year-old remains committed to Ligue 1 club Toulouse despite the conjecture and is focused on the new season at Stadium Municipal.

He said: "I am flattered by those links, but, to be honest, president (Olivier) Sadran never said anything to me yet about any bid. For me, I will play for Toulouse until something is said to me. I am happy here and going abroad is not in my mind yet."

Source: Sky Sports

Sissoko is a very promising talent and, at the age of just 19, could play at a variety of clubs. The only drawback is that he would have to find a club who would facilitate his development as a player in his position. The midfield position is an important one in the Premier League, so it remains to be seen if Spurs would be willing to place him there and persist with him as he finds his feet in the Premier League. Staying at Toulouse may be a safer option for the player overall at his age.

Quote

Damien Comolli has revealed St Etienne have held talks with a Premier League club over the future of Mouhamadou Dabo. Dabo has just one year remaining on his current contract and reports have suggested he could be set for a transfer this summer.

It is alleged that Tottenham Hotspur are the side interested in Dabo, although the club have yet to comment on the rumour. Former Spurs sporting director Comolli, who now holds the same role at St Etienne, is awaiting a formal approach regarding Dabo.

He told France Football: "We had a talk with a club from the Premier League. Now we are waiting for a written proposition."

Source: Sky Sports

This is an interesting one, as I thought other players would have been leaving Saint Etienne this summer, but it seems like not as many outgoing transfers have been made as would have been initially believed. For Spurs, it could either be Dabo or Sissoko as I can't see them buying both.

[Bosko]

J_746, on 22 July 2009 - 06:14 PM, said:

Quote

Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has warned want-away striker Marouane Chamakh that he will not be sold to a lesser club. Chamakh has been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Sunderland and Blackburn this summer with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger admitting that he was considering a bid for the Moroccan.

The 25-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave Les Girondins after five seasons at the Stade Chaban Delmas. However Blanc believes that Chamakh should choose his options carefully and only leave Bordeaux if a bigger team come in for him.

"I can understand Marouane wanting to leave, even him wanting to go at any cost, but he must go to a club which merits him," he said.

"If this is not the case I might refuse his departure. If it does not work out he can stay at Bordeaux, it would not be a jail sentence to stay for another year after which he could have the promise of going elsewhere."

Meanwhile Lyon are reportedly monitoring the situation with club president Jean-Michel Aulas stating earlier this week that he would welcome Chamakh with 'open arms' if he decided to stay in France. Les Gones coach Claude Puel also confessed that they were interested in the frontman as they gear up to try and win back the title from Blanc's men.

"Chamakh is one of the players who (we) are interested in and would have the qualities needed to reinforce the squad," he said.

Source: Sky Sports

The 'lesser club' all depends on the opinion of the person making the comment. As Bordeaux are champions, I think this was a dig at Lyon's interest in the player. As Bordeaux are champions, that would put them on a higher platform than Lyon in Blanc's eyes. However, I personally would rather Lyon went all-out to get André-Pierre Gignac rather than Chamakh. Lyon need strikers, and I think there will be at least one more signed before the window is done.

I tend to agree with your opinion about André-Pierre Gignac. There has also been rumours about Arsenal showing an interest and if Gignac's valuation pushes further towards €20 million, then will likely rule out Arsenal and make it more difficult for Olympique Lyonnais to bid. Marouane Chamakh is said to be valued at around €11 million and he would be a good foil to the more and freedom-seeking Lisandro López. Chamakh started the summer by claiming that he would only join Arsenal, if he went to the Premier League, but that stance has now changed, with him not ruling out Fulham or, in particular, Sunderland. It seems that he just wants to leave Bordeaux and that the Premier League is his first choice. It would not surprise me if he joins Olympique Lyonnais, who despite their weak showing last season, are still considered alongside Olympique Marseille as Ligue 1's more desirable team. As for Gignac, it is my opinion that he is too similar to López, even if he is wonderfully gifted.

J_746, on 22 July 2009 - 06:14 PM, said:

Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in the dark over rumours of Premier League interest in his services. It is reported that the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have a liking for Sissoko, although neither club have commented on the speculation. The 19-year-old remains committed to Ligue 1 club Toulouse despite the conjecture and is focused on the new season at Stadium Municipal.

He said: "I am flattered by those links, but, to be honest, president (Olivier) Sadran never said anything to me yet about any bid. For me, I will play for Toulouse until something is said to me. I am happy here and going abroad is not in my mind yet."

Source: Sky Sports

Sissoko is a very promising talent and, at the age of just 19, could play at a variety of clubs. The only drawback is that he would have to find a club who would facilitate his development as a player in his position. The midfield position is an important one in the Premier League, so it remains to be seen if Spurs would be willing to place him there and persist with him as he finds his feet in the Premier League. Staying at Toulouse may be a safer option for the player overall at his age.

Moussa Sissoko is only 19 years-old and has two seasons with Toulouse under his belt. I would suggest he is better placed remaining for one more campaign, before making a more illustrious switch. He still has a lot to learn, particularly tactically and with the choices he makes whilst in possession. Another season of regular first-team football at the top end of French football and in European competition should further iron out some of his weaknesses, whilst improving upon his experience. He would not be a regular starter at either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. With the former, he would be Steven Gerrard's reserve, or one of four central midfield options. With Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Redknapp does not adopt a second striker, which is the role Sissoko has adopted with Toulouse, so he would play deeper or even out wide. His competition would be Wilson Palacios.

[J_746]

The only problem I have with Chamakh is that he is sometimes too arrogant on the field and his concentration tends to lapse. I feel that he would frustrate Lopez when playing alongside him if he makes risky decisions rather than feeding the ball to someone who'll put it in the back of the net. Gignac, as you say, is very similar to Lopez, but I can see Lyon signing a couple of more strikers rather than one more to play alongside Lopez. Piquionne is not a good backup for the Lyonnais side, so I can see them looking at further backup to add to the team. Gignac would be a starter for them, but it may end up opening some more tactical possibilities for them, though with the high spending in Lyon so far they may be further priced out of a move for him. Chamakh has also been linked with Sunderland (despite Blanc's comments about the 'lesser club'...I assume he means Lyon if Sunderland are now being considered buyers for him). Chamakh is a cheaper option than Gignac, but may not necessarily be a tactically sound one. This is all assuming Lyon play with two strikers this year rather than just one like last year when Benzema struggled to make the impact he would have hoped for.

I agree wholeheartedly with the opinion on Sissoko. A move may scupper his development and staying may aid him more to help bring him every success in the future.

[Bosko]

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The Italian Press believe Lyon have made an offer for want-away Lazio striker Goran Pandev, as they seek to replace Karim Benzema.

The French outfit have already signed Porto striker Lisandro Lopez in an effort to bolster their attack and now want someone to partner him up front.

Pandev has gone public with his desire to join a club capable of participating in the Champions League year in year out.

The 25-year-old Macedonia international has attracted interest from Juventus, Napoli and Bayern Munich.

However, Lazio President Claudio Lotito has done well scaring them off, slapping a £16m price tag on his star striker.

Lyon might consider meeting Lotito's demands, as they recently cashed a cheque for £30m from Real Madrid.

Goran Pandev is someone I would consider an ideal partner to Lisandro López. He has the pace, movement, ingenuity and guile to create, as well as score chances. £16 million is a slight over-valuation, in my opinion, but in today's market, it is the going rate to pay a few millions on top of a players valuation. His versatility would also be useful to Claude Puel.

[J_746]

Quote

Meanwhile, Lyon's big spending this summer may not be over after the club were linked with CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love. The Brazilian is thought to be keen on a move away from Russia and admitted that he would welcome a switch to Ligue 1.

"I heard Lyon are interested in me, that is great news" he told Le Parisien. "I have a contract with Moscow until 2011. Lyon is a good team who can play at the top level, the French league is fantastic so you never know, I might join them. However, if they are interested in me they can pay my salary."

Love is thought to be on 350,000 euros a month at CSKA.

Source: Sky Sports

Should he sign, he could be the most expensive player to sign for Lyon this summer; not in price, but in wages :lol: .

Quote

Marseille officials have travelled to Spain to try and persuade Gabriel Heinze to leave Real Madrid, according to reports in France. The 31-year-old had a successful spell with Marseille's bitter rivals PSG, where he became a firm fans' favourite between 2001 and 2004, but that hasn't stopped l'OM chasing the defender.

The former Manchester United full-back could be allowed to leave on the cheap as Real look to recuperate some of the funds they spent on the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol and Karim Benzema. However a stumbling block could prove to be the Argentine's wages with Marseille needing Heinze to halve his four million euros a year income at Real before they can even begin negotiations.

Heinze's contract with Real runs until 2011 but his chances at the Bernabeu appear limited despite playing in the 1-0 friendly win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin have told Marseille that they want to take striker Andrew Ayew on a week-long trial before they commit to a permanent transfer. The Ghanaian is surplus to requirements at the Stade Velodrome and Hertha were believed to be ready to bid 500,000 euros for the frontman.

Source: Sky Sports

Wages might be too high for Marseille and I'm not sure he'd want to take a pay cut. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this one though.

[Bosko]

J_746, on 23 July 2009 - 12:56 PM, said:

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Meanwhile, Lyon's big spending this summer may not be over after the club were linked with CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love. The Brazilian is thought to be keen on a move away from Russia and admitted that he would welcome a switch to Ligue 1.

"I heard Lyon are interested in me, that is great news" he told Le Parisien. "I have a contract with Moscow until 2011. Lyon is a good team who can play at the top level, the French league is fantastic so you never know, I might join them. However, if they are interested in me they can pay my salary."

Love is thought to be on 350,000 euros a month at CSKA.

Source: Sky Sports

Should he sign, he could be the most expensive player to sign for Lyon this summer; not in price, but in wages :lol: .

It would appear that a host of forwards are going to be linked with Olympique Lyonnais in the coming weeks. Vágner Love is an interesting proposition, especially as he prefers to operate as a lone forward. He is someone who is regularly linked with a move to Western Europe, yet has so far not made the switch.

J_746, on 23 July 2009 - 12:56 PM, said:

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Marseille officials have travelled to Spain to try and persuade Gabriel Heinze to leave Real Madrid, according to reports in France. The 31-year-old had a successful spell with Marseille's bitter rivals PSG, where he became a firm fans' favourite between 2001 and 2004, but that hasn't stopped l'OM chasing the defender.

The former Manchester United full-back could be allowed to leave on the cheap as Real look to recuperate some of the funds they spent on the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol and Karim Benzema. However a stumbling block could prove to be the Argentine's wages with Marseille needing Heinze to halve his four million euros a year income at Real before they can even begin negotiations.

Heinze's contract with Real runs until 2011 but his chances at the Bernabeu appear limited despite playing in the 1-0 friendly win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin have told Marseille that they want to take striker Andrew Ayew on a week-long trial before they commit to a permanent transfer. The Ghanaian is surplus to requirements at the Stade Velodrome and Hertha were believed to be ready to bid 500,000 euros for the frontman.

Source: Sky Sports

Wages might be too high for Marseille and I'm not sure he'd want to take a pay cut. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this one though.

Would he be used as a central defender, or a left-sided full-back? I am not sure he offers more than Taye Taiwo. He may be a better defender, but Taiwo adds another dimension offensively, which is more important to title-chasing team. In central defence, Souleymane Diawara has been signed, while there is also Julien Rodríguez and Hilton. Gabriel Heinze would not be guaranteed a starting role and given his wage demands, this move surprises me.