Gignac is staying, says Toulouse coach

(GSM) – Toulouse coach Alain Casanova is convinced that striker Andre-Pierre Gignac will be staying at the club despite reported interest from Bordeaux. Gignac was in the French squad which were settled for a premature group-stage elimination at the 2010 World Cup.

However, the 24-year-old Bordeaux is rated highly in France and has been linked with Bordeaux after the latter’s star striker Marouane Chamakh joined Arsenal.

“I am convinced that he will stay,” coach Alain Casanova told L’Equipe.

“However, I am not in his mind or that of his agent. No club has shown an interest as yet.

“That doesn’t mean that he has lost his value. He endured a difficult season with injuries, and a difficult World Cup, but I am convinced he will have a great season this year if he remains with us.”

Meanwhile, Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has admitted that the club is short of money and cannot sign Gignac, as the France international’s transfer fee would not be affordable.

“We don’t have the money,” Triaud told L’Equipe. “We built a team and we budgeted to play in the Champions League, but we blew this chance.

However, Bordeaux star Joann Gourcuff might be moving to Olympique Lyonnais after the 7-time French champions confirmed their interest in the former Milan midfielder. A possible £22 million transfer fee, matching Gourcuff’s release-clause, could give Bordeaux the green light in their pursuit for Gignac.