Gourcuff linked with Bordeaux return; Mavuba nears Roma switch

Gourcuff linked with Bordeaux return

Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is being linked with a summer move back to Stade Chaban-Delmas, according to L’Equipe.

The highly rated footballer has largely struggled to prove his worth at Stade Gerland and he now has less than three months left on his current deal.

And with Lyon yet to offer him a contract extension, there is a good chance that the 28-year-old will be leaving les Gones on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, L’Equipe has learned that his former club Bordeaux have expressed interest in the midfielder’s signature as les Girondins believe they can help Gourcuff kick-start his career at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

It was some impressive displays during his previous spell at Bordeaux that saw the France international become regarded as one of world’s top midfielders, but the switch to Lyon that ensued proved a mistake.

With his time at Stade Gerland plagued by numerous injuries and poor form, Gourcuff will probably be delighted to leave Lyon at the end of the season.

Mavuba nears Roma switch

Lille midfielder Rio Mavuba admits he is tempted by the possibility of joining AS Roma at the end of the current season.

The Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia is eager to get reunited with the Frenchman at Stadio Olimpico having coached him at Stade Lille Metropole.

Roma are likely to stay without Daniele De Rossi at the end of the season and the coach sees Mavuba as a perfect replacement.

The French footballer admits that a summer move to Stadio Olimpico is a realistic possibility.

“Roma could be a possibility, it definitely interests me,” the midfielder told Sky Italia. “If Garcia remained in Rome, it would be an interesting solution.”

It is important to note that Mavuba will be out of contract in the summer and seeing that he shares the same agent as the Roma coach, negotiations over a Bosman deal should run smoothly.

European giants battling for Fiorentina’s Neto

A number of Europe’s high-profile sides are considering summer bids for Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto, according to his official representative.

The Brazilian goalkeeper is set to leave Viola for greener pastures when his current deal expires at the end of the season, although he has yet to make a decision on his next destination.

And while Italian giants Juventus remain keen, Neto’s agent reveals that Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid are also showing interest.

“He will not stay in Florence, that is official,” agent Stefano Castagna told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We are evaluating several proposals from Italy and abroad. One of the teams involved is Liverpool. In France PSG are keen and there is also interest from Real Madrid.”

Neto, 25, has spent last four years at Artemio Franchi having joined from Atletico Paranaense, making 63 Serie A appearances.

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