[J_746]

[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]

[Infinitum Nihil]

[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."

[Infinitum Nihil]

[John Connor]

[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]

[J_746]

[Infinitum Nihil]

J_746, on 22 July 2009 - 05:14 PM, said:

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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.

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 - 05:14 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.

[Infinitum Nihil]

[J_746]

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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: .

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.

[Infinitum Nihil]

J_746, on 23 July 2009 - 11:56 AM, 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 - 11:56 AM, said:

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.

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.