Lyon confirm interest in PSG star
Olympique Lyon have confirmed reports linking them with a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho.
With Dejan Lovren still sidelined through injury and veteran Cris expected to leave the club this summer, les Gones are in the market for a new central defender.
Lyon sporting director Bernard Lacombe admits the club are searching for a new centre-back and confirms they are pondering a bid for Mamadou Sakho.
“It’s true, we need at least one central defender, and maybe a defensive midfielder,” Lacombe explained to L’Equipe.
“This is why we have been interested in Mamadou Sakho.”
The youngest ever captain in the history of the club recently expressed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain in search of first team football.
The 22-year-old couldn’t get a decent run in the side even before the Saints signed Thiago Silva from AC Milan, so no wonder he is now eager to leave Parc des Princes.
Despite his fragile age, Sakho already has five first team seasons behind him and 124 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.
Taking all this into account, there are no doubts he would be a great signing for Lyon, but it remains to be seen whether cash-strapped les Gones can reach an agreement with PSG.
Pogba undergoes Juventus medical
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is finally set to complete his transfer to Juventus, the Italian club have announced on their official website.
The Italian giants revealed that the Frenchman was undergoing a medical in Turin, after which he is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Bianconeri.
The 19-year-old arrives to Juventus Arena as a free agent after his contract at Old Trafford expired on 30th June.
The talented midfielder rejected a new contract offer from the Red Devils and opted to sign for the Bianconeri instead.
Pogba has seen little playing time at Old Trafford since joining the club from Le Havre, having made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League over two seasons.
The player, nonetheless, proved his worth by scoring three goals for France Under-19 side at the European Championship this summer.
The Frenchman is regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in Europe, although he will need regular playing time in order to realize his full potential.
Alexander Hleb returns home
Former Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb has completed a move to BATE Borisov, a club where he began his professional career.
The Belarus giants announced yesterday that they had signed their former player on a free transfer from Russian Premier League side Krylya Sovetov.
The 31-year-old was, thus, given a new lease on life following several very disappointing seasons.
“I’m glad to return to BATE. Here I made my first steps, I left for Europe from here.,” Hleb said to club’s official website.
“I want to thank my home club, to do everything possible to fulfill their desired goals.”
Hleb could make a debut for the Belarus side in the Champions League qualifying clash against Debrecen next Wednesday.
The Belarus international has enjoyed a lot of success since leaving BATE in January 2000, but his career started taking the wrong turn when he was signed by Barcelona.
The return to BATE Borisov might feel as an opportunity to kick-start his career or at least give the player a chance to end his playing days where it all began for him.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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