France international midfielder Blaise Matuidi has yet to agree a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain, but insists staying at the Parc des Princes is his No. 1 choice, according to Sky Sports.
Recent reports in France have suggested a long-term deal, which would keep Matuidi in Paris until the summer of 2018, is close to being reached.
Should the French champions and Matuidi fail to agree new terms before January, the highly-rated midfielder will be able to discuss pre-contract terms with other clubs.
A host of teams, including English Premier League powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester City, are reportedly keeping tabs on the France international.
“I am really at ease at PSG,” Matuidi told L’Equipe.
“My first wish would be to stay. But you can wish for something and sometimes it doesn’t happen.
“The club has a special place in my heart, but anything can happen in a career.”
Matuidi started and played all 90 minutes in France’s 2-0 loss to Ukraine at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Saturday.
The defeat leaves Les Bleus with an uphill battle to reach next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“Our backs are against the wall, but we know we can reverse the situation,” said goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Mathieu Valbuena added: “It’s difficult, but do not keep your heads down.”
The second leg of the play-off will be played at the Stade de France on Tuesday, 19 November 2013.
France (2/5); Ukraine (15/2); Draw (7/2)
Bendtner wants out
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has restated his desire to secure a move away from the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window.
Bendtner, 25, was on the verge of joining Crystal Palace on deadline day, but nothing materialised, with the Eagles opting to sign Marouane Chamakh.
The Denmark international is currently behind Olivier Giroud in the Arsene Wenger’s pecking order, having made just seven competitive appearances and two starts, both in the Capital One Cup, for the Gunners this term.
Although Bendtner is tired of discussing his future, the 25-year-old — perhaps reluctantly — spoke to reporters while on international duty with Denmark this week.
“I want to get away from Arsenal. Whether it is in the winter, we must wait and see,” said Bendtner.
“I will make my decision depending on where the greatest sporting challenge lies. Finances, in this context, mean very little to me.
“I’ve been playing football since I was four years old and back then it was for the love of the sport. It is for the love of the sport that I play today as well.”
Moreover, earlier this month, Denmark boss Morten Olsen urged Bendtner to leave North London in January, and rightfully so.
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