Toulouse FC right-back Serge Aurier has revealed he would welcome a move abroad when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.
The Côte d’Ivoire international, 21, is a reported target for English Premier League side Arsenal, who may lose Bacary Sagna in the summer amid speculation suggesting FC Internazionale Milano and Galatasaray are keen on the French full-back.
“Moving abroad? I don’t think it is too early,” Aurier told L’Equipe, per Sky Sports.
“It is about trust, and reaching a new step, I am not scared to go higher.”
Aurier is also reportedly attracting interest from French giants Olympique de Marseille but the 21-year-old insists he would prefer a move abroad.
“Another French club? I respect France but I would feel like betraying TFC if I would stay in Ligue 1,” added the Ivorian defender.
Aurier, who joined Toulouse from Lens for an undisclosed fee in January 2012, has bagged seven goals in 71 appearances in all competitions, including five in 25 Ligue 1 matches in 2013/14, for TFC.
Xherdan Shaqiri to discuss future with Bayern
The brother of Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri has revealed the highly-rated Switzerland international will consider his long-term future during the summer.
Shaqiri, who will represent Switzerland at this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, is currently on the fringes of the first-team at the Allianz Arena and his future looks increasingly uncertain after the club handed Arjen Robben a new two-year contract extension earlier this week.
The 22-year-old ace, who joined Bayern on a four-year deal from Basel in a deal worth €11.6 million in 2012, has tallied six goals and two assists in 24 games, albeit just 12 starts, for the treble winners this term.
“Xherdan is 22 and he needs to play regular matches, he does not do that at this point in time,” Shaqiri’s brother Erdin told Swiss tabloid Blick.
“We will surely keep on waiting until the summer. But if there are clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Internazionale or other quality clubs are keen, we will surely listen to them.
“However, Bayern Munich will stay on being the first partner of communication, before we talk to other clubs.”
Switzerland, led by Shaqiri and captain Gökhan İnler, are priced at 125/1 to win the 2014 World Cup.
No loan for Vermijl
In other news, Manchester United defender Marnick Vermijl, who is currently plying his trade at Dutch Eredivisie club NEC, is unwillingly to be sent out on loan next season.
The Belgium youth international, 22, wants to make the Red Devils first-team squad or be sold by the club, according to the player’s agent Tonny Dullers.
“Man United is happy with his progress. They want to loan him to a better team next season, but Marnick isn’t keen on it,” Dullers said.
“He wants to be promoted to the first team squad or a transfer. He still has a contract until 2015, but a lot depends on [David] Moyes’ future.
“If he stays, he’ll probably let Marnick go, as he didn’t oppose a loan. But if he is sacked, then maybe Marnick still has a future at Man United.”
Vermijl, formerly of Standard Liège, has scored three goals in 23 league appearances for NEC this season.
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