Sunday, 17th July, 2011
Lyon boss Remi Garde has warned clubs interested in Aly Cissokho and Michel Bastos that he will not allow both players to leave the Stade Gerland this summer.
Liverpool have been linked with Cissokho, with talks reported to be continuing between the Anfield club and Lyon this weekend, while Juventus and Chelsea are possible destinations for in-demand Brazilian Michel Bastos.
But both Bastos and Cissokho are left sided players and Garde is reluctant to lose both.
"These are two players who occupy the left flank of my team, so one or the other party [could leave], but probably not both", said Garde, speaking after Lyon’s 3-1 friendly loss to Belgian champions Genk.
Garde’s comments are likely to intensify the chase for both Cissokho and Bastos, with each highly rated and not prohibitively priced.
Bastos has been linked with Juventus for most of the summer, but the Bianconeri have been unable to agree a fee with Lyon despite the 27-year-old wishing to move to Turin. This delay led to talk that Chelsea have now begun to hold an interest in the Brazilian and Andre Villas-Boas could rival Juventus for his services.
Cissokho endured a disappointing 2010/11 season with Lyon, but nevertheless has popped onto Liverpool’s radar as a potential signing. The Reds have appeared to be moving quickly for the 23-year-old and his departure to Anfield could cut off Bastos’ escape route.
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