Lyon President Plays It Coy Over Swoop for Out-of-favour Chelsea Star Florent Malouda

Friday, 12th October, 2012

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas wants the club’s coach Remi Garde to decide whether a bid should be launched for out-of-favour Chelsea winger Florent Malouda.

The Frenchman has been training with Chelsea’s youngsters, having been left out of the Blues’ first team and omitted from their squad for the group stage of the Champions League.

relatedNewsStoryIt had been thought that the 32-year-old would move on from Stamford Bridge in the summer, but he stayed put and now looks in limbo until the transfer window opens again in January.

Where Malouda, who is under contract with Chelsea until 2013, might head then is unclear, however former club Lyon, who the winger left to join the Blues originally in 2007, have been heavily mooted as a potential destination.

Aulas though will not confirm or deny Les Gones want their former star and insists any decision over a swoop lies in the hands of coach Remi Garde.

"Honestly, I don’t think there is any evidence Flo has ended his career?", Aulas told Le Progres.

"I can’t say whether we’re interested", he continued.

"It is for Remi to judge. We’ll see."

Malouda has not made a single appearance for Chelsea so far this season.

He has though picked up a sackful of medals during his time at Stamford Bridge, including one Premier League title, three FA Cups, one Community Shield and one Champions League.