Ligue 1 Transfer Roundup: Nistelrooy to Lyon, Vierra to PSG, Bangoura to Rennes and more

Here’s a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding Ligue 1:

Where do Lyon go from here?

With the recent departures of Juninho, Karim Benzema and Abdul Kader Keita,the club has left many wondering where the 10 time Champion de France cup winners are headed from here?

Who will pick up the void left by these 3 play-makers, as the time closes in on the beginning of this years Ligue 1 season? With both rumours that the club have eyes on Lisandro Lopez of FC Porto and Madrid veteran Rudd Van Nistelrooy, it seems they have a plan for their future after all.

The only concern, is will these 2 be enough for the French club to get back to dominance in Ligue 1? The competition is getting better and better for Lyon, with Bordeaux and Marseille finishing ahead of the club in last seasons dissapointing finish.

Many would assume the club would be on a mission to get some fresh new talent at the STADE MUNICIPAL DE GERLAND, but again maybe Lyon already have some plans in the works. The team is no stranger to success, and no one should take the French powerhouse lightly. It seems it’ll be the waiting game for supporters now.

The club should be looking to start out the season in a postitive way when they take on Le Mans UC 72 in its opening fixture. If I had to guess correctly I’d say the club isn’t out of the news quite yet.

Bangoura in, M’bia wants out at Rennes

Ismaël Bangoura, will be starting another term in Ligue 1 this season. French club Rennes have signed the Guinean to a 4-year deal worth €11m, after spending 2 seasons at Ukranian club Dynamo Kiev

Bangoura, began to bring some attention to himself when he blazed a 25 yard strike into the back of the net against Manchester United back in October of 2007. English clubs Everton, Wigan, and Fulham were said to have made bids for the forward before he decided on a move back to France.

He went on to say in an interview with Rennes official team website “I’m happy to be back! “For the family, for the football and because it’s a good standard of football in France – and the climate can’t be compared to that in Ukraine.” The Guinea international, scored 18 goals in 56 appearences for Le Mans in his previous time spent in France.

M’Bia sets sights on move to Marseille

Stephane M’bia, recently said in an interview with Rennes team website “I’ve chosen OM”. The Cameroonian, hasn’t left any speculation as to where he wants to play as Marseille have been in negotiations over a transfer for the Defensive Mid-fielder with Rennes as of late. OM Director of Football José Anigo, said “Deschamps is preparing a squad with less quantity and more quality”.

This would be a great addition to an already strong defensive mid-field core in Benoit Cheyrou and Lorik Cana, and with the constant speculation of a Cana exit, M’Bia could be a nice replacement for the Albanian.

M’bia’s transfer worth is said to be around €12m, and it looks to be a bit more than OM are willing to dish out after a €25 million pay out for Argentinian Lucho Gonzalez. M’bia went on to say “I’ve chosen OM, and would like to join them as soon as possible. The financial aspect of the deal is holding things up, but I’m confident it’ll be sorted out,” the athletic 23-year-old, who admitted he has spoken to Marseille coach Didier Deschamps said “I dream of playing for him!”.

Yet again another possible good pick-up in the works for Marseille.

One way or another it seems Vieria is out of Italy

Antoine Kombouare, has said “Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Patrick Vieira, but will not pay too much.” Newly promoted English club Birmingham, have also targeted the frenchman.

The 33 year old is a in a tug of war match over his future. Should he go home, or back to England for a reported 100k a week offer from Birmingham? PSG, have said to have had talks with the French international who is looking to bring some attention his way in light of next summers World Cup tournament in South Africa.

When the PSG boss was asked of his intrest in signing Vieira, he was qouted saying “Of course, but not at any price. I have already made a heavy investment for the club with (Mevlut) Erding and (Gregory) Coupet.” Vieira has yet to give any clues as to where his future lies, but hopefully he’ll decide soon.

Its looking to be a great season for Ligue 1 come August 8.

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