Transfers Latest - Diallo in talks for a contract extension

Thursday, January 26th

- As well as Jirès Kembo, Abdoulaye Diallo is also in talk with the Rennes management to extend his contract, according to L’Équipe. Benoît Costil’s substitute, who will play against Marseille on Sunday and is considered as a brilliant prospect by Antonetti, his currently contracted until 2013. The talks are principally focusing on the possibility of a loan that would allow him to gain more playing time.

Wednesday, January 25th

- After Mevlüt Erding signed for Stade Rennais this Wednesday, questions are now surrounding the future of Victor Hugo Montaño. Although Frédéric Antonetti seems decided to keep the Colombian forward in Rennes, RMC affirms that both FC Sochaux and OGC Nice expressed their interest to Stade Rennais to try and obtain his transfer this winter.

- While Mevlüt Erding undergoes the medical before signing his contract, Stade Rennes announced that he would be presented to the press at 17:00 at La Piverdière. The new Rennes striker will wear the number nine, left vacant since the departure of Ismaël Bangoura in September 2010.

Tuesday, January 24th

- 19h00 : Transfers, official : Erding arrives in Rennes

- 16:45 : Also announcing that Mevlüt Erding will join Stade Rennais, the website of newspaper Le Parisien added that the player will sign a three and a half year contract with the Rouge et Noir.

- 15:15 : L’Équipe’s website announces that Stade Rennais, Paris Saint-Germain and Mevlüt Erding all agreed on a transfer this Tuesday afternoon. The newspaper adds that the fee would be in the region of 7 to 8 million euros. The information is yet to be made official by either of the clubs.

- 12:00 : Free to look for a new destination, Stéphane Dalmat is yet to leave the Stade Rennais. According to L’Équipe, the midfielder has received an offer from a Turkish club, without more precision on the player’s reaction towards it. Dalmat will remain in Rennes until the expiration of his contract in June if he doesn’t leave Brittany during this winter transfer window.

- 12:00 : Despite rumours announcing that the case of Mevlüt Erding would (finally) be settled today, Pierre Dréossi said this Tuesday to L’Équipe that the different sides are still “far from an agreement”. The sports newspaper announced however that another meeting would be held today, which “could result in an agreement between all three parties” about a transfer.

Sunday, January 22nd

- According to Football365.fr, Victor Hugo Montaño has attracted the attention of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. However, Pierre Dréossi declared last Friday that the Colombian forward is unlikely to be transferred this winter.

- Still no evolution in the case of Mevlüt Erding, visibly slowed down by Paris’ difficulties to recruit another striker. An agreement also remains to be found between the Stade Rennais and the player.
Erding remains coveted by other clubs. According to Le Parisien, the Turkish striker has even been the subject of a loan offer with first-purchase option of 6 million euros from Everton. An offer rejected by the Paris management, who are wishing for a transfer in January.

Friday, January 20th

- The situation remains unclear regarding Mevlüt Erding. According to Ouest-France, it is a financial difference that prevents a transfer, since PSG refuse to loan the player and would like to let him go permanently. A position which seems to have complicated the negotiations, according to the daily newspaper.
Meanwhile, L’Équipe insists on the fact that, despite Lille and Newcastle being out of the race (having signed Nolan Roux and Papiss Cissé respectively), the Turkish striker remains a target for Fulham, Sunderland and Galatasaray.
Finally, Le Parisien affirms that Mevlüt Erding “wishes” to join Rennes, but that his situation remains linked to the arrival of another striker in Paris. Like last summer.

- Since their midfielder Thiago Motta could change clubs in the next few days, the lnter Milan would have made Yann M’Vila their priority, and would like to see him transferred as soon as this winter, according to la Gazzetta dello Sport. A departure of the young midfielder before the summer is completely excluded as far as Rennes is concerned however.
Questioned by Eurosport, Pierre Dréossi has indeed affirmed that no offer has been received for M’Vila. “But it is because we are not even considering selling”, he added.

Thursday, January 19th

- Rumours are flowing this Thursday about the future of Mevlüt Erding.Sometimes with diverging information. A common point between all the information however: the French-Turkish striker of PSG is indeed the subject of discussions between Stade Rennais and the club from the French capital.
According to RMC, the Stade rennais is “in pole position” to complete these transfer, with the PSG refusing the idea of a loan. The radio’s website is announcing divergences between Erding and the Stade Rennais in terms of wages however.
Meanwhile, Infosport, the French sports TV channel owned by Canal+, shows very optimistic about the chances of this transfer to happen, advancing that it is “98%” completed. According to this source, Erding and the Stade Rennais have agreed, but an agreement between the Breton management and PSG remains to be found.

- According to Le 10 Sport, Stade Rennes has received an offer from a club from the Persian Gulf for Victor Hugo Montaño. An offer for a 4.5 million euros transfer with a 125,000 euros monthly salary for the Colombian striker, more than what he earns now in Rennes. The magazine’s website affirms that this transfer could allow financing the arrival of Mevlüt Erding in Brittany.

- In its edition of the day, Ouest-France confirms that Pierre Dréossi has indeed spent part of yesterday in Paris to meet the PSG management. According to the newspaper, this visit “lets to suppose” that Mevlüt Erding has “agreed” to join the Stade Rennais and that an outcome could be reached soon.

- Transfers : Diallo will join Rennes in June

Mercredi 18 janvier

- According to Infosport, Pierre Dréossi spent part of the day in Paris, at the headquarters of the PSG. A visit naturally interpreted as a sign of talks between the Rennes general manager and the Parisian management to advance on a possible transfer of Mevlüt Erding.

- Antonetti : “I spoke to Erding on the phone”

Tuesday, January 17th

- Left in the stands by Carlo Ancelotti last Saturday, Mevlüt Erding is still not being left out by the Paris SG, according to Le Parisien. The Italian manager would like to have four strikers until the end of the season. As last summer, his departure remains conditioned to the arrival of another striker in the French capital. The newspaper also affirms that as well as Rennes, Newcastle, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Lille, and Bordeaux “to a lesser degree” are interested by the player. Last summer, he had snubbed foreign offers and preferred Ligue 1.

Monday, January 16th

- Questioned by website goal.com, Stéphane Dalmat’s agent Alexandre Krstic explained that the midfielder was yet to receive a proposition that would attract his interest. “Today, Stéphane’s situation is clear: he is waiting to leave. If he receives an interesting proposition, he will leave this winter. However, at the moment, this isn’t the case”, he detailed.
Deemed surplus to requirement, the midfielder will be let go for free if he finds a clubs before January 31st and the end of the transfer window. Else, he will go to the end of his contract, next June. “The contact we’ve had were mainly coming from abroad”, Krstic affirms, adding that the wish of his player is before all to «keep on having fun in playing football».

Sunday, January 15th

- Questioned by RMC on Sunday morning, Jirès Kembo half-recognized that he had been approached by Lille. «There has been quite a few things», the Rennes striker admitted before avoiding to give any more details: “My agents are dealing with this». Rennes’ best goal scorer since the beginning of the season, Kembo is also in talks with the Rennes management to extend his contract.

- According to le 10 Sport, Stade Rennes is showing an interest on Guingamp midfielder Gianelli Imbula (19 y/o), who has imposed himself as a permanent starter in the Breton’s team midfield since last season. Contracted until 2015, he will be let go next summer if a good offer was to arrive, according to the newspaper. Lyon, Caen and Liverpool are also thought to be interested.

Wednesday, January 11th

- In an interview published on the club’s website, Pierre Dréossi confirmed the waiting game played by the Stade Rennais regarding the expected striker. The club is “keeping ready” for Paris’ Mevlüt Erding and for other players, waiting for situations to unlock and good strikers to become available.
As we revealed last Monday, Stade Rennes and Jirès Kembo are in talks regarding a possible contract extension. Pierre Dréossi also confirmed it, adding that it is the case for « many more players".

- According to L’Équipe, Lille is also interested in signing Mevlüt Erding, in case the Turkish international wanted to leave Paris. Last summer already, the club from the North of France had targeted Erding before switching their interest to Park and finally Jelen, considering the Parisian too expensive. This interest would only find an outcome if Moussa Sow was to leave Lille this winter. The former Rennais can’t find an agreement with his club to extend his contract, and Lille would have received three offers about him, from Fenerbahçe, Lokomotiv Moskou and Rubin Kazan.
However, the departure remain linked to Paris’ recruitment, which hasn’t really advanced since the beginning of the month. At this moment, Paris manager Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t formally told him he doesn’t need him, according to L’Équipe.

Tuesday, January 10th

- Bastia attacking midfielder Sadio Diallo will be a Rennes player in 2012, it’s a done deal. Only one question remains, whether the transfer will be made official as soon as this January, with a loan to Bastia for the next six months, or if the recruitment ban inflicted on the Corsican club by the DNCG will delay the transfer until next June.
According to Ouest-France, more news should arrive on the subject either Wednesday or Thursday, since the DNCG should give its decision on an appeal by Bastia. This decision will decide the date of the player’s signature for Rennes.
Diallo has also completed a medical in Rennes on Sunday, and finalised the details of his agreement with the Stade Rennais. He then left Brittany to join the Guinean selection with which he will play the next African Cup of Nations.

Monday, January 9th

- Questioned by Le 10 Sport, Jirès Kembo reacted to the news published by L’Équipe this morning regarding an interest from Lille for him. After the sports newspaper affirmed that Kembo and Rudi Garcia already “had a chat” regarding a possible transfer, the Rennes forward denied strongly, explaining that reading the news made him “nearly die in laughter”.

- During the press conference this Monday at the Stade de Furiani, Bastia president Pierre-Marie Géronimi explained that a signed document should guarantee the transfer of Sadio Diallo to Rennes next June, since the operation should be delayed (also read). “The player decided, he wants to go to Rennes, Géronimi reaffirmed. We will sign a protocol with Rennes, which will guarantee that Sadio will be there for the 2012-2013 season».

- Following his really good performances since the beginning of the season, Jirès Kembo is thought to be a target of Lille, according to L’Équipe. Although a transfer this winter is unlikely, the Stade Rennais could be tempted to sell him next summer, if a contract extension wasn’t signed by then, with Kembo’s contract expiring in 2013.
According to our information, there were discussions between Rennes and the French-congolese forward, but without result to this day. In February 2010, Kembo had signed a three year contract extension to the general surprise, even though his contract was about expire the following June.

Sunday, January 8th

- In a press release published on its official website, SC Bastia announced that they are calling a press conference at 11 am this Monday. A conference following the “various press articles published about the transfer of player Sadio Diallo ».

- Yesterday, Stade Rennais president Patrick Le Lay announced to Ouest-France that the contacts with Mevlüt Erding had been reactivated in order to try and reinforce Frédéric Antonetti’s attacking line during this transfer window. However, and like last summer, the Turkish international seems decided to remain at Paris Saint-Germain despite a reduced playing time. This is what his brother confirmed to L’Équipe ‘s website : «At this moment, Mevlüt is decided to remain at PSG. If he came to Paris, it was in the intention of winning trophies and this year, he has a chance to win the French champion title. He really wants to help the PSG reach that target, he would like to leave a mark in the club’s history.”
In case he decided to go for another challenge, Rennes wouldn’t be the only candidate since Lille also target him, possibly to prepare for the future departure of Moussa Sow : « Mevlüt also knows that Lille and Rennes will get back in touch. He will take a decision soon, after meeting Paris’ management. »

- According to Ouest-France and L’Équipe, nothing is completely decided regarding the transfer of Bastia’s Sadio Diallo. The regional newspaper adds that the final decision should be taken on Sunday or Monday, and that FC Lorient could still win the bidding.
In more details, L’Équipe explains that the player was expected in Brittany this Sunday to complete his medical. However, two obstacles arrived and could make the transfer more complicated: first, the recruitment ban given to SC Bastia by the DNCG, which could prevent his loan move (last year, Saint-Étienne had had to welcome Grenoble’s youngster Yoric Ravet earlier than planned, even though he should have been loaned to GF38 for six months after his recruitment); Furthermore, the Merlus have reportedly returned with a much larger offer for Bastia (5M€) and a massive signing-bonus of 600,000 euros for the player.

- According to daily newspaper L’Est Républicain, the contacts between Nancy midfielder Samba Diakité and Rennes seem to have been abandoned. Lyon therefore seem the most likely to sign him, while Nancy’s management announced earlier this week that they wish to part ways with their player as soon as this January. Discussions would have been going on about him between ASNL president Jacques Rousselot and Jean-Michel Aulas’ advisor Bernard Lacombe. A financial agreement remains to be found between the two clubs. According to the newspaper, Arsenal and Udinese also showed an interest for the player.

Saturday, January 7th

- In an interview to Ouest-France, Patrick Le Lay confirmed that Stade Rennais are still willing to recruit Paris SG’ striker Mevlüt Erding, but requested patience. “We reactivated the contact, the Rennes president affirmsed. But to this day, nothing is firmly decided in terms of the transfers. You often need to wait for the final days before things start moving”.

- In its paper edition of the day, L’Équipe confirm that Bastia’s Sadio Diallo has chosen to play with Rennes from next season. The Guinean international has reportedly announced it to his team-mates in the dressing room. An agreement has been found for a four and a half year contract.

Friday, January 6th

- Transfers: all done for Diallo?

Thursday, January 5th

- Questioned by France Football, Nancy midfielder Samba Diakité declared that he hoped to join Lyon in January. “I couldn’t go there in August, but I hope it will happen this winter”, he explained, in reference to the interest already expressed by Lyon last summer. Diakité is also followed by the Stade Rennais.

Monday, January 2nd

- According to the website of Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Rennes youngster Yassine Jebbour could be sent on loan to Portuguese first division side SC Braga (D1) this winter. The full back is facing heavy competition at his position, and is unlikely to gain much playing time during the second half of the current season. Last season, he had already requested a loan but the club’s management had refused. In Braga, he could reunite with another former Rennes defender, Nigerian Elderson Echiejile.

- According to Ouest-France, Stade Rennes could be registering four departures in January. As well as Stéphane Dalmat, the Breton club could let go Georges Mandjeck, in conflict with Frédéric Antonetti, Alexander Tettey , suffering with the heavy competition at midfield and who never really convinced, as well as Victor Hugo Montaño. These departures would be the necessary conditions for the recruitment of a new striker, probably Mevlüt Erding, as we revealed just over a week ago (read previously).

Sunday, January 1st

- In today’s edition Le Parisien reports that Mevlüt Erding, currently in Qatar with the Paris Saint-Germain for the club’s winter training camp, hopes to use the opportunity to “convince Ancelotti to give him a chance”. The newspaper adds that the striker “isn’t in a rush ” to leave the Parisian club.

- Alongside Stade Rennes and FC Lorient, a third Ligue 1 club has now joined the race to sign Bastia’s youngster Sadio Diallo. According to L’Équipe, Montpellier has indeed shown interest in the attacking midfielder.
In Corsica, manager Frédéric Hantz expressed his wish to keep his player at the club until the end of the season, at least as a loan. “This is a time where anything can happen very fast, in one way or the other, the Bastia manager admitted. The ideal for me would be if we could keep Sadio until the end. So yes, maybe a transfer but including a loan until June. The club is working towards this solution».

Saturday, December 31st

- Interested by Nancy’s Samba Diakité to replace Yann M’Vila, who is expected to leave the club next summer, Stade Rennes is facing the competition of the Olympique Lyonnais. The club from the Rhone, already interested in the player last summer, as reportedly returned to talks with AS Nancy Lorraine, according to L’Équipe. There would be two issues blocking the transfer as far as Lyon is concerned however: uncertainties regarding the interest of recruiting a player who will miss the whole of January (Diakité will play the African Cup of Nations with Mali), and Nancy’s request for Lyon’s youngster Jérémy Pied to be included in the transaction.

Wednesday, December 28th

- Big manœuvres are about to star tat the Paris Saint-Germain. The arrival of a new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, should be followed by the recruitment of several players, especially in attack. As a result, the already limited playing time of Mevlüt Erding should reduce even more. According to Le Parisien, Stade Rennais came requested information once again, for a transfer whose fee could be up to 6M€. The main issue remains the salary of the player, which could lead the Rennes management to ask for a loan with a purchase clause, the Paris newspaper explains.

Wednesday, December 21st

- According to RMC, Paris Saint Germain striker Mevlüt Erding, still targeted by the Stade Rennais, is “in deep reflection” regarding the way to give to his career. Lacking playing-time, he reportedly interests – apart for Rennes – the Girondins de Bordeaux. For both clubs, the Turkish international’s salary could prove a stumbling block however. He receives a monthly salary of 240,000 in Paris.

- Announced yesterday, the signature by Dimitri Foulquier oh his first professional contract has been made official by the club this Wednesday. The young rightback signed a three-year long professional contract tying him to the club until 2015.

- Targeted by Stade Rennes, Guinean attacking midfielder Sadio Diallo could finally be taking the direction of Lorient, who have been following him since several months, Football365.fr affirmed. The website adds that the club from Morbihan “is working hard” to bring him to Lorient. The player himself would prefer to join the “Merlus”, possibly on the advice of his international team-mate, Ismaël Bangoura, who keeps mixed memories of his spell in Rennes.
According to our information, the recruitment of the player is not unanimously desired within the club. The fact that Rennes would buy back the contract of a player directed towards Bastia in 2009 by Frédéric Antonetti himself is thought to be a motive of concern...

Tuesday, December 20th

- Questioned on RMC, Pierre Dréossi confirmed that Stéphane Dalmat will probably leave the Stade Rennais this winter. The midfielder is “looking at two or three opportunities” according to the general manager who didn’t give away any club names. Arrived in 2010 from Sochaux, the transfer of Dalmat should not bring any money to the Stade Rennais, except for economies on his salary (about 100.000 euros monthly). “He has got six months left on his contract, he is 31, so I think we will let him go for free”, the general manager explained.

- In its edition of the day, focused on transfers, magazine France Football affirms that Georges Mandjeck would have handed a transfer request to Rennes’ management. A consequence of the fury of Frédéric Antonetti against him, on December 10th against Brest.

- As Stade Rennais seem interested by Nancy midfielder Samba Diakité to cover for the future departure of Yann M’Vila at the end of the season (read on December 1st), ASNL president Jacques Rousselot confirmed to L’Équipe that the Breton club took information about his player, as did Borussia Dortmund and Bordeaux, without making an offer at the moment. The winter transfer window could see a transfer being completed, since Nancy needs to recruit players but need to sell in the first place in order to generate the required funds.
Diakité, one of the best players in the Lorrain team this season, could therefore leave Nancy this winter. Last summer, L’Équipe reminds, the Olympique Lyonnais had tried to recruit Diakité as a backup for Jérémy Toulalan. The club from Lyon had made a 6 million euros offer. An offer refused by Nancy, refusing to sell the player at the time. This time however, “if we receive a good offer, we will consider it”, Rousselot promised.

Friday, December 16th

- Stade Rennes is far from being the only club interested in signing Sadio Diallo (Bastia). According to Corse-Matin, the FC Lorient re-affirmed its intention to see the young Guinean join their team after hearing about Rennes’ offer. The club from Morbihan, who had already made an offer last summer, made an offer of 4 million euros for his transfer, one more than Stade Rennes offered. Furthermore, the “Merlus” are reportedly proposing for the transfer to be effective next June only, letting Diallo finish the season with his current club. According to the newspaper, SC Bastia should not be communicating on this topic before the final game of their season, next Tuesday against Tours.

Thursday, December 15th

- Since the beginning of the season, the Doncaster Rovers (English Championship) keep on reinforcing their squad with former Ligue 1 players (Diouf, Beye, Ilunga, Fortuné, Chimbonda, Goulon). The latest target of the club from Yorkshire, according to the local press, is the Rennais Stéphane Dalmat. Likely to leave Rennes in January, the midfielder had already been monitored by the English club this season. Dalmat has already played in England during his career. It was in Tottenham in 2003-2004.

Wednesday, December 14th

- According to local newspaper Corse-Matin, Stade Rennais should be recording the signature of Bastia’s attacking midfielder Sadio Diallo (20 y/o) this winter. The Guinean international is believed to have been on trial at Rennes and Nice in summer 2009, without being offered a contract. However, Frédéric Antonetti had recommended him to his brother, then the president of SC Bastia. After a few short appearances in L2 during his first season, Diallo shone in National last season, taking an active part in his club’s return to Ligue 2. Known for his dribbling ability, he scored ten goals during the season. Since the beginning of this season in Ligue 2, Diallo scored three goals and gave two assists. According to Corse-Matin , the transfer fee could be in the region of 3 million euros.

- A new contender – and a rather major one – has reportedly joined the long list of clubs chasing the signing of Yann M’Vila. According to daily Catalan sports newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, the FC Barcelona came to monitor the Rennes midfielder during the game between Celtic Glasgow and Stade Rennais at Celtic Park. Urabno Ortega, a former blaugrana player now a scout, was indeed present to observe the young Rennais, However, according to this media, the interest of Barcelone for M’Vila would be dependent of two additional factors: the confirmation of Seydou Keita’s departure, which seems to be planned for the end of the season, and a failure for the club to sign Alexandre Song (Arsenal), who seems to be the Catalan club’s priority target at this moment.

Saturday, December 10th

- Brought into the limelight by a series of brilliant performances since the beginning of the autumn, Tongo Doumbia and his advisors are reported to be negotiating a contract extension with the Stade Rennais, L’Équipe announce. The midfielder, arrived in Brittany in 2009, is currently contracted until 2014. After a first three-year professional contract, he had signed for two more years in August 2010. His recent performances seem to have drawn the attention of several foreign clubs.

Thursday, December 1st

- With Yann M’Vila most likely to leave Brittany next summer, Stade Rennais are already looking for his successor. According to RMC, the Breton management has therefore requested information about Nancy’s Samba Diakité (23 next January), one of the rare players to surface in the Lorrain team since the beginning of the season. The media is mentioning a transfer fee of 5 million euros requested by Nancy, and a possible transfer anticipated to January.

Monday, November 14th

- During football TV show “Canal Football Club” broadcasted on Sunday, former French international Patrick Vieira admitted that his club, Manchester City, is monitoring Yann M’Vila closely for a future transfer. The former midfielder, who is now working in the Manchester club’s “development” unit since he finished his career as a player, also conceded that City is far from being the only club interested in M’Vila. The bidding could rise very high next summer…

Friday, November 11th

- Today’s rumour is coming from England. According to the Daily Mail, Stade Rennais’ midfielder Tongo Doumbia has caught the eye of Arsenal, after managing to impress scouts from the London club. Contracted until 2014, he has also reportedly drawn interest from CSKA and Spartak Moscow. The newspaper mentions an asking price of 8 million pounds sterling from Rennes (or 9.3 million euros) for his transfer.

------ SUMMER 2011-------

Wednesday, August 31st

- 18:00 : At the end of the press conference called to present Youssouf Hadji, Pierre Dréossi has announced that his arrival ends the Rennes recruitment forthis summer. He also confirmed that Yann M’Vila would stay at the club despite the last offers from Arsenal.

- 17:30 : As planned, Stade Rennais has completed the signature of Moroccan international Youssouf Hadji this afternoon, who comes back to the club four years and a half after he left it. The forward has signed a two years contract, with one optional year. He will have number 19, left free after the departure of John Verhoek.

- 13:55 : During his search of a forward, Stade Rennais reportedly tried to recruit Greek international Georgios Samaras (26 years old, Celtic Glasgow), Skysports affirm. Pierre Dréossi has confirmed to the British media that he had tried to contact the Celtic yesterday about his case. But “the transfer is impossible because the player doesn’t want to leave Celtic and come to France” the general manager added.
Stade Rennes’s interest for Samaras isn’t new, since his name has already been heard during summer 2007. His former club, Manchester City, didn’t want to sell him. Rennes eventually signed Brazilian striker Emerson.

- 13:30 : On an announcement on its official website, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard has confirmed the transfer of Abdoul Camara. The left-wing signed a four years contract with the French club after undergoing his medical. He will wear the number 8.

- 11:20 : Stade Rennais has announced a press conference, to be held at the Piverdière this Wednesday at 5 pm, during which Youssouf Hadji will be presented.

- 11:00 : According to the website of l’Equipe, Arsenal could make a final offer this Wednesday to reinforce its midfield with the transfer of Yann M’Vila. The newspaper added that Stade Rennais “wouldn’t discuss an offer of less than 34 million euros”. On Monday, Patrick Le Lay has affirmed he had told Arsène Wenger that he wouldn’t consider opening talk unless he received an offer worth more than 50 million euros, and that the club doesn’t want to sell its international player.

- 10:00 : Stade Rennes have officially announced that Youssouf Hadji should sign a two years contract this Wednesday, after completing his medical. The Moroccan striker should be signing his contract in the late afternoon, but won’t stay long in Brittany: indeed, he is expected by his national team, who play an important game against the Central African Republic this week-end, as part of the qualifications for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

Tuesday, August 30th

- 22:00 : Questioned at half-time during the Coupe de la Ligue game between Nancy and Auxerre, Nancy president Jacques Rousselot confirmed that Youssouf Hadji should indeed join the Stade Rennais this Wednesday. The forward has probably played his final game with the club from Lorraine this Tuesday: In the starting eleven, he came out at half-time.
According to L’Équipe, the Moroccan international should sign a two years contract with a third year in option.

- 21:00 According to RMC, Stade Rennes’ “plan B” should indeed be Youssouf Hadji. A “Rouge et Noir” between June 2005 and January 2007, the Moroccan forward should sign a contract with the Stade Rennais, “except for a last minute change of scenario”, according to the radio. The transfer fee is thought to be in the region of 2 million euros. The AS Nancy have been willing to sell their Moroccan international since the beginning of the transfer window to balance their financial situation, as they did with Julien Féret in June. Hadji could sign a two years contract with the Stade Rennais.

- 20:30 Transfers, official: Camara signs for Sochaux

- 11:00 As well as Valenciennes and Brest, previously mentioned, Abdoul Camara is now a target for Saint-Étienne and Sochaux, L’Équipe reports. The club from the Doubs is even thought to have made an offer for his transfer.

Monday, August 29th

- Although Patrick Le Lay hinted that Stade Rennais would finally not recruit a striker before the end of the transfer window, after the club failed to sign Erding, Pierre Dréossi affirmed to Eurosport that he “continues working” in order to try and find a new forward. According to RMC, the Breton management is considering the recruitment of David N’Gog (Liverpool), for whom a fee of 5 million euros is demanded, and Youssouf Hadji (Nancy), whose possible return had already been rumoured earlier this summer.

- Erding, le coup de poignard

- According to the Dutch press, John Verhoek travelled to Den Haag (Netherlands) in order to finalise his loan to the local club, ADO Den Haag, where he should reunite with his brother Wesley. Questioned by NUsport, the Rennes striker admitted that playing alongside his brother his a “dream” that should become real, and affirmed that he could have been loaned in France or Turkey but preferred a return to his country. However, his loan move could be conditioned to a new striker arriving at Stade Rennais, and could be jeopardised by the latest developments in the transfer of Mevlut Erding.

Sunday, August 28th

- The suspense remains complete around the transfer of Mevlüt Erding to Satde Rennes. Although PSG seem about to finalise the transfer of a striker from Serie A (Borriello? Amauri?), the Turkish striker shone this Sunday in Toulouse (3-1) by scoring a goal and delivering an assist for what could be his final game with the Paris shirt. In the press conference after the game, his manager declared however that he “counts on him” despite his “desire to leave”. “If I make him play, it’s because he remains an important player in my eyes, the deal was very clear”, the Paris coach justified.
In Rennes, there are still hopes that the situation could be unlocked before this Wednesday. Questioned by Foot+, Pierre Dréossi affirmed that Erding should indeed be transferred to Stade Rennais before the end of the transfer window.

- Placed on the transfer list by Frédéric Antonetti because of his poor attitude, where will Abdoul Camara go? According to Ouest-France this Saturday, the Rennes left winger could interest Valenciennes and Brest, and therefore remain in Ligue 1. According to the newspaper, however, Stade Rennes had received no offer for the player this Friday. Camara has therefore got until this Wednesday, midnight, to find a club, or he may spend much time playing for the Rennes Reserve this season.

Friday, August 26th

- Questioned by the AFP beside the Europa League draw, Pierre Dréossi showed rather optimistic regarding the transfer of Mevlüt Erding to Stade Rennes. “I don’t think it will happen today, the general manager however tempered. I hope it will go forward in the coming days. We are approaching, slowly but surely, the end of the wait”.

- Banned from the professional squad as we revealed on Wednesday (read previously), Abdoul Camara could leave Stade Rennes very soon. According to L’Équipe, the ban – for behavioural reasons - affecting the player should last until the end of the summer transfer window… or until his departure. Indeed, the player has reportedly announced his desire to leave the club and looks for a new club. Meanwhile, Stade Rennes is not wishing to loan the youngster, but clearly to transfer him definitely.

Thursday, August 25th

- According to L’Équipe’s website, Paris Saint-Germain have finally managed to find the striker they were seeking to replace Mevlüt Erding, on his way out of the club. It would be a player from the Italian Serie A, whose recruitment should be made official by this Sunday. This transfer should unlock the Turkish striker’s situation, who would therefore soon head to Brittany.

Wednesday, August 24th

- According to L’Équipe, Arsenal - after offering Stade Rennes 20 M€ for Yann M’Vila – have upped their bid to no less than 25 million euros to try and convince the Breton club to let their midfielder go. After selling Fabregas and Nasri, the club from London has got important transfer funds available, and this transfer would be a record price for Stade Rennais, higher than the 23M€ paid by Monaco for the transfer of Shabani Nonda in 2000.
Last week-end dernier, both Stade Rennes and Yann M’Vila had denied that they had received an offer from Arsenal for a possible transfer.

Tuesday, August 23rd

- According to L’Équipe’s website, Stade Rennais have found an agreement with striker Mevlüt Erding for a possible transfer, while the players decided to refuse the other offers made to him.
However, Stade Rennes and the PSG are yet to agree on a deal. L’Équipe precise that Pierre Dréossi should meet Leonardo in Paris tomorrow to try and “finalise the transfer ». In the show “Rouge et Noir” broadcasted on TV Rennes, the Rennes general manager explained that the transfer is still “far, far, far” from being completed however, especially because of Paris’ position. Probably in reference to the intention of the Paris management to find a replacement to Erding before letting him go.

Monday, August 22nd

- Where will John Verhoek be loaned this season? According to mercato365.com, it could be the ADO Den Haag, a club from the Dutch first division, where the Rennes striker was initially trained. In the Dutch team, he would reunite with his older brother Wesley, who plays there as a winger.

- Questioned by RMC after training this Monday morning, Mevlüt Erding admitted that he « didn’t think » he would be present on Tuesday at the Camp des Loges, fuelling speculations that his departures from PSG could be imminent. The radio also affirm that the striker was carrying a big suitcase, which could interpreted as a sign that Erding emptied his locker in the Paris’ dressing room.

- Although the arrival of Paris’ Mevlüt Erding doesn’t seem to be a done deal just yet, things should get clearer during the week, according to Ouest-France. «It should be clearer on Wednesday or Thursday », the daily newspaper precises.
On his side, Le Parisien explain that the Turkish striker “could sign during the week” with the Stade Rennais. According to the player’s entourage, quoted by newspaper from the capital, Erding has indeed made his final appearance on a match sheet with PSG, this Sunday against Valenciennes. The player has finally remained on the bench.

Sunday, August 21st

- Leonardo, the Paris Saint-Germain sports director, affirmed that the departure of Mevlüt Erding is now conditioned to the recruitment of another striker by his club. “He requested to talk to us, he has got the possibility to leave, the Brazilian explained. We clearly told him that he can, only if we have another solution. We will see what the best outcome is for everyone. We have got time, we won’t get rushed”. According to France Bleu Armorique, Pierre Dréossi will travel to the French capital this Monday to continue discussing terms of a possible transfer with the Paris management.

- Officially, Pierre Dréossi has denied rumours announcing the imminent arrival of Paris SG’s striker Mevlüt Erding. «I’m not sure where the rumours and the fee announced are coming from”, the general manager explained.
Also, Dréossi announced that John Verhoek should be loaned abroad soon. “John needs more playing time. We believe in him, but he needs to play more », he affirmed. The Dutch striker failed to affirm himself during his first few months in Rennes, and he hasn’t been part of the squads selected by Frédéric Antonetti so far this season.

Saturday, August 20th

- According to information unveiled in TV show « Jour de Foot » this Saturday night on Canal+, Mevlüt Erding could soon be transferred to Stade Rennais. “Except for an unexpected twist”, an agreement could be announced tomorrow Sunday and the arrival of the Turkish striker could be effective early next week.

- According to Canal+, the interest of Arsenal for Yann M’Vila has been made concrete with an offer in excess of 20 million euros. An offer rejected by the Stade Rennais management, who clearly signal they won’t let their midfielder go this summer.

- According to the press this morning, the departure of Mevlüt Erding seems to get more and more likely. All media are now announcing that the Turkish striker is now agreeing to leave the French capital. “Although he wanted nothing but stay at PSG, he has changed his mind over the last few hours”, Le Parisien notably affirmed.
However, Erding is still far from being a Rennes player. According to L’Équipe, talk between Rennes and Paris’ managements “Have started and continue” with a possible agreement between 7 and 8 million euros according to the sources.
In Rennes, the main concern is that competition could affect the case. Le Parisien is notably mentioning Galatasaray, Sunderland, Newcastle and Bordeaux (A list to which L’Équipe adds Rubin Kazan, Lille and Saint-Étienne), but précises that the player wishes to remain in France and that the Rennes project “seems to interest him”. Also Stade Rennais, to the contrary of Bordeaux for example, seem to have the required financial power to manage the transfer. For now, cautiousness remains the rule, since the player could also remain in Paris, Le Parisien explains.

Friday, 19th August

- Last night, while he was supposed to rotate his squad against Luxemburg team Differdange, Antoine Kombouaré decided not to field Mevlüt Erding. A decision which leaves the possibility for the Turkish striker to join a club involved in the European competitions… such as the Stade Rennais.
According to L’Équipe, the player has now got used to the idea of leaving the French capital, where he isn’t considered as a key option anymore in the Paris attacking line. Over the last few weeks, Stade Rennes have reportedly increased their attention on the Parisian player, with Antonetti multiplying the hints and contacts with his entourage, while Pierre Dréossi contacted the club from the capital earlier this week. Still according to the newspaper, the Breton club and the PSG should get in talks this Friday, and they could find a ground of agreement on a transfer fee in the region of 8 million euros.

Thursday, August 18th

- Stade Rennes are not wishing to keep Slimane Sissoko, a young striker who signed his first professional contract just a few months ago. Left outside the professional squad by Frédéric Antonetti after the first days of the pre-season, the Parisian had gone through an unsuccessful trial in Laval (L2) mid-July before picking up an injury.
Over the last weeks, no trace of Sissoko anywhere at La Piverdière. Indeed, according to our information, the young striker has gone to… Portugal. Far from the top flight, the Liga Sagres, he has been put on trial by GD Chaves, a club from the local third division.

Wednesday, August 17th

- It remains impossible to say whether Stade Rennes will finally manage to recruit a striker this summer. According to mercato365.com, if the Breton management can’t reach their targets, they could turn their attention to experienced forward Peguy Luyindula (32), who is unwanted at Paris-Saint-Germain. Stade Rennes have got two weeks left to complete a transfer.

- The name of Yann M’Vila continues appearing in the transfer columns abroad. After Real Madrid, Chelsea or Inter Milan, it is now Arsenal who are interested in the Rennes midfielder, according to the Daily Express. Arsène Wenger would like to re-invest the transfer fee received for the transfer of Cesc Fabregas by signing the young French international. The daily newspaper mentions an offer of 15 million pounds (about 17 million euros) to try and convince the Stade Rennais. If the existence of this offer was confirmed, it should logically be turned down by the Breton management.

Thursday, August 10th

- While the fee for the transfer of Fabien Lemoine from Rennes to Saint-Étienne hasn’t been disclosed by either club, Le Parisien affirm that most of the amount has been negotiated as bonuses, which could add-up on top of a fixed fee of 1.5 Million euros. In one way, Saint-Étienne has indeed minimised the financial risk of the transfer, in case Lemoine wasn’t to come back to his best level of ability.

Tuesday, August 9th

- Another twist in Fabien Lemoine’s transfer story? According to RMC, the Rennes midfielder has been approached in the last hours by the AS Saint-Étienne, who proposed a loan with a purchase option.

- According to RMC, Stade Rennes is still interested in Monaco forward Chu-Young Park, despite the preference he is giving to a move abroad. At the moment, the player’s situation is conditioned to administrative issues (military service) to settle in South Korea. “If he can negotiate a delay, big clubs will make a move on him, English and German clubs, Monaco’s head of recruitment Jean-Luc Buisine explained. There are French clubs too, such as Rennes who made a good offer for him, and Lille, but his dream is to play in England or in Germany”.

- Although Fabien Lemoine seems bound to join Évian Thonon Gaillard in the next hours, uncertainty remains on the terms of the move. The midfielder – who wants some play time after a 2010-2011 season marked by the ablation of one of his kidneys and difficulties to find his place during the second half of the season – has reportedly handed a transfer request, which Pierre Dréossi, questioned by Ouest France, “doesn’t wish”.
For Évian, interested in his profile, the tendency would be to a loan move, according to L’Équipe. A solution that would also be favoured by Stade Rennes, who don’t want to see the player leave despite his expressed intentions. A decision should be taken soon. As for Lemoine, he should be speaking to RMC tonight.

Monday, August 8th

- Confirming the departure of Lemoine from Rennes to Évian, RMC announced that this move should happen in the form of a loan without purchase option. Contracted until 2013, the man from Fougères would therefore come back to Brittany in summer 2012.
A solution which could mean that the club is still relying on Lemoine, but after seeing him play a complete season in Ligue, which couldn’t be guaranteed with the competition currently existing at midfield in Rennes.

Sunday, August 7th

- According to the website football.fr, Fabien Lemoine could be loaned to Évian Thonon Gaillard in the coming hours. The midfielder would arrive this Monday in Savoie to undergo his medical. He would be the first victim of the increased competition at midfield, after failing to be called for the two legs against Rustavi.
Confirming the news a few minutes later, Ouest-France hinted that the man from Fougeres could be fully transferred to the newly promoted team.

Friday, August 5th

- Questioned on RMC, Pierre Dréossi explained that Monaco striker Chu-Young Park would not come to Brittany this summer. “He doesn’t want to come”, the general manager affirmed. The South Korean is heavily courted, and notably by clubs sportively more attractive than Rennes.
According to our information, the trail leading to Turkish striker Mevlüt Erding seems to be cooling down as well. Although his agent is trying to find a way out of Rennes, the forward is reportedly not keen in joining Rennes.

Thursday, August 4th

- After the rumours of an interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, Inter Milan is the latest club to have expressed their interest for Yann M’Vila, if the Gazzetta dello Sport is to be believed. The Italian newspaper affirms, however, that the Rennes midfielder would only be an alternative to Brazilian youngster Casemiro (19 y/o, São Paulo FC) who remains the priority target at Inter. The Gazzetta dello Sport consider M’Vila’s transfer would be worth 16 to 17 million euros.

Tuesday, August 2nd

- According to RMC, Stade Rennais have made an offer to Monaco to try and complete the transfer of Korean striker Chu-Young Park. At the moment, the player’s arrival to Brittany doesn’t seem too likely. Stade Rennes is yet to find an agreement with the player, and himself is reportedly favouring a transfer to another club, with Schalke 04 and Lille among the other clubs interested.

Monday, August 1st

- After affirming his desire to recruit a center forward gifted with some “technical subtlety” (read on July 27th), Frédéric Antonetti continues refining the portrait of the ideal recruit to complete his attacking line. “We are trying to find a player that would really reinforce us. It isn’t easy, the Rennes manager explained on RMC this Monday afternoon. The management is making an effort as they have understood that we need an attacking leader, who gives an added value to what we are doing in terms of play”.
A proof, if necessary, that Stade Rennes is actively looking for a first-choice centre forward in order to complete its summer transfer market.

Sunday, July 31st

- Although Stade Rennes allowed Slimane Sissoko to turn professional a few months ago, Frédéric Antonetti doesn’t count on the young striker, who visibly failed to convince him during the pre-season training camp. Injured after an unsuccessful trial at Laval, Sissoko is unlikely to remain in Rennes this season. According to Ouest-France, Stade Rennes are even considering a definitive transfer rather than a loan.

Thursday, July 28th

- Pierre Dréossi hasn’t made the trip to Georgia with the rest of the professional squad this week. According to Selon Ouest-France, the Rennes general manager indeed remained in Rennes to hold “important meetings regarding the recruitment”. A proof that Stade Rennes are still actively searching for a new recruit, probably the striker so keenly awaited by Frédéric Antonetti.

Wednesday, July 27th

- Questioned by France Football this Tuesday, Frédéric Antonetti gave the profile of the centre-forward Rennes are still searching for. “We are lacking a striker with the technical subtlety to break the strongest defences, and we don’t have that sort of profile”, the Rennes manager explained.
Questioned about Brest’s Nolan Roux, who will not be let go by his club for under 8M€, Antonetti is adamant. “Obviously I would have liked him!”, the Rennes manager claims. “But the price tag was way too high: 8M€ for six months in Division 1. You have to be sensible, you can’t pay that much. At Stade Rennes we try to keep our feet on the ground. We are happy to pay, but only the sensible price”.

Monday, July 25th

- According to English tabloid The People, Chelsea is in interested in recruiting Yann M’Vila to cover for Michael Essien’s long injury unavailability. The newspaper announces that the transfer fee would need to be at least 15 million pounds sterling (about 17 million euros).
It seems unlikely however, that Rennes would give a positive reply to a possible offer by Chelsea, after snubbing an interest by Real Madrid earlier this summer.

Saturday, July 23rd

- Except for a last minute turn-around, Matías Suárez will not join Stade Rennais. According to our information, the trail leading to the Argentinian player has been abandoned by the Rennes management. The transfer fee requested by Anderlecht, thought to be in the region of 8 million euros, have convinced Stade Rennes not to get any furthers in the talks with the Belgian side.

Friday, July 22nd

- According to the website of Belgian daily newspaper La Dernière Heure, the Stade Rennais has made an offer for the transfer of Matías Suárez. However, it was deemed “largely insufficient” by the Belgian club

Thursday, July 21st

- In an interview broadcasted on radio RMC this Thursday evening, Frédéric Antonetti confirmed that Stade Rennes are indeed thinking about recruiting Argentinian striker Matías Suárez. “He is on our list, I won’t lie to you”, the Rennes manager admitted, while explaining that the transfer is “far from completion”, that “two or three leads” are still hot for the centre-forward position and that a transfer is far from guaranteed. “We have plenty of names and profiles, Antonetti continued. Now, can we bring them to Stade Rennais, this is the difficult bit. We need to find a player with a profile different to Victor Hugo Montaño’s. He is quite a physical striker, we are looking for an alternative with more technique. We need to have different profiles in attack”.
During the week, both Pierre Dréossi and Anderlecht denied the existence of talks between the clubs regarding Suárez’ transfer. However, as we revealed on Monday - and as several other medias announced, including L’Équipe and RMC – the Belgian club and their Breton counterpart are clearly discussing the matter.

Wednesday, July 20th

- While Stade Rennais announced the loan of Johann Carrasso yesterday, AS Monaco is yet to publish any information regarding this move. According to newspaper Nice-Matin this Wednesday, the goalkeeper’s loan agreement could be containing a purchase clause, which Stade Rennes did not mention in their press release yesterday.

Tuesday, July 19th

- Contracts: Mangane extends his deal!

- Transfers : Mavinga has signed

- Carrasso loaned to Monaco for a year

- According to Ouest-France, Johann Carrasso was missing at training this morning at la Piverdière. The newspaper announces that the player left for Monaco, where he should sign – probably on loan – for the AS Monaco. Likely to compete with Sébastien Chabbert for the first goalkeeper slot, he should be able to gain some playing time in a club aiming an immediate return to the top flight.

Monday, July 18th

- Searching for a striker to finalise their recruitment, Stade Rennais have decided to hire Anderlecht Argentinian forward Matías Suárez (23 y/o). According to our information, the two clubs are in advanced talks regarding the transfer.
Arrived in Belgium in 2008, Suárez can play at centre forward or on the right wing. Known for his technical ability, he has scored twenty-eight goals in all competitions for Anderlecht

- On their official website, Stade Rennes announced the transfer of Chris Mavinga. The player will officially become a Rennes player after completing the medical this Tuesday, and then signing his contract. According to information from tomorrow’s France Football, the young defender will pen a four years deal in Brittany.

Saturday, July 16th

- According to Ouest-France, Chris Mavinga should sign for Stade Rennais this Tuesday. The defender will become the fourth major recruit of the summer for Rennes, for a transfer fee in the region of one million euros. The information has reportedly been confirmed by Pierre Dréossi during the friendly game between Rennes and Angers.

Friday, July 15th

- Questioned by RMC this Friday afternoon, Pierre Dréossi confirmed that the arrival of Chris Mavinga was well engaged. The general manager confirmed that there is “a strong chance” to see the young Liverpool defender sign for Stade Rennes.

- According to Ouest-France, defender Chris Mavinga could become Rennes’ fourth recruit of the summer at the beginning of the week. The newspaper announced, that with France U20 allowing a two days rest in the preparation of the category’s 2010 World Cup, the Liverpool player could profit of that time to undergo his medical and sign a contract with Stade Rennais immediately after.

- According to an information published this Friday by both L’Équipe and Ouest-France, Johann Carrasso is now in contact with AS Monaco towards a loan move. The regional newspaper affirms that “talks are continuing” but could reach an end “in the next hours”. Meanwhile, L’Équipe affirm that Carasso is at the moment the « preferred option » for the Monaco recruiters, in their search to replace Stéphane Ruffier, transferred to Saint-Étienne.

- Vincent Pajot will have to wait before knowing what his future is made of. The young midfielder doesn’t know yet whether he will become an integral member of the Rennes squad this season or if he will leave Rennes on another loan move. According to Ouest-France, the Rennes management are allowing themselves more time before making a decision on his case, after Pajot managed some good performances since the beginning of the pre-season preparation. A decision should be taken after the friendly games, in a bit more than a week.

- After failing to recruit Rivière, Stade Rennes have renewed the contacts taken last winter regarding Anderlecht’s Argentinian striker Matias Suarez, as we revealed a few days ago. At the moment, according to Ouest France, Suarez isn’t the priority target at centre forward for the Stade Rennais, who are consequently considering alternatives solutions.

Thursday, July 14th

- Having recently signed a professional contract, young striker Slimane Sissoko didn’t take part in Rennes’ friendly on Wednesday evening. Indeed, at the same time, he was on trial at the Stade Lavallois. Sissoko took part in a friendly against Lorient (0-0), playing for one hour with the Tangos. A loan move could therefore be considered for the young centre forward.

- Still searching for an additional striker, Stade Rennes are now working as silently as possible to wrap up the case. Questioned after the friendly against Vannes, Frédéric Antonetti expressed his hopes that a transfer could be completed “any time, soon” however, without giving much more detail. Meanwhile, Ouest-France hint, without publishing any name, that the club are “preparing a move” on two players currently employed abroad.

Wednedsay, July 13th

- Still in research of a destination for a loan move next season, Johann Carrasso will probably have to look in Ligue 2. After Ajaccio recruited Mexican keeper Ochoa and Toulouse decided to hire Rémy Riou, Nancy was apparently the last option for Nicolas Douchez’ former substitute. However, according to France Football, the Nancy management have decided to favour another target: Nantes’ Guy-Roland N’Dy- Assembé.

Monday, July 11th

- Questioned by Ouest-France this Monday in Carnac, Kader Mangane denied the fact he has signed a contract extension, despite what Pierre Dréossi affirmed during the press-conference organised by the club on Saturday. “I’m surprised with those news, Mangane declared. I haven’t signed anything yet. Obviously, a contract extension is possible, but as I have already said, I want to wait for the pre-season camp to be over before taking a decision ». The professional squad will remain in the Morbihan all this week.

Sunday, July 10th

- Questioned by Ouest-France, Pierre Dréossi showed his optimism regarding the transfer of young defender Chris Mavinga. «His transfer is on the right track, the general manager admitted. I would like to finalise it over the next few days, even though we won’t be able to rely on him immediately as he will take part in the U20 World Cup in Colombia, from July 29th to August 20th”.

Thursday, July 7th

- According to Pierre Dréossi, talking to L’Équipe, nothing is done regarding the transfer of defender Chris Mavinga to Stade Rennes. “He is a player we follow and we are interested in, the general manager admitted. But it is too early to talk about him”.

- Questioned by L’Équipe, Saint-Etienne’s Emmanuel Rivière affirmed his wish to « join Toulouse ». “The club has been showing constant signs of interest since eighteen months, and It doesn’t leave me cold”, the young striker affirmed, even though he had agreed on financial terms with Rennes a few days ago.

Wednesday, July 6th

- Shortly before 23:00, the RC Genk (Belgique) announced that they had reached an agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of Chris Mavinga, while précising that an agreement remained to be found with the player himself. It seems to be all up to Mavinga, who is now facing the choice to either join Rennes or remain in Genk, where he was loaned over the last six months.

- Is Chris Mavinga (Liverpool) the left-back Stade Rennais was looking for? According to Ouest-France, Stade Rennes, Liverpool and the player have found an agreement this afternoon. Aged 20, the defender can play as centre-back or on the left flank. A few days ago, L’Équipe stated that a transfer fee of 1M€ would be enough to secure the transfer of the player, a U19 European champion with France last summer.

- Emmanuel Rivière at Stade Rennes, the prospects seems less and less likely. Although the case seemed ready to be completed, the Breton management seemed to have some hesitations, mainly due to the Saint Etienne striker’s ankle injury. According to Ouest-France, this uncertainty is causing divisions within the coaching staff. On their side, L’Équipe affirm that the club has put the transfer in « standby », waiting to see how the injury evolves.

- Questioned on RMC this Monday, Pierre Dréossi had announced that the negotiations regarding the transfer of full back Mouhamadou Dabo (FC Sevilla) were blocked on the financial aspect. Ouest-France indicate that the player would be “motivated at the idea of playing under the management of Frédéric Antonetti", but also hinted that the negotiations are blocking on the salary.

Tuesday, July 5th

- It is this Wednesday that Jonathan Pitroipa should join the Stade Rennais. Questioned on radio RMC on Tuesday evening, the Burkina Faso winger explained that a few details remained to be agreed on, but that “normally, tomorrow, everything will be ok”.

C’est demain mercredi que Jonathan Pitroipa devrait s’engager avec le Stade rennais. Interrogé sur les ondes de RMC ce mardi soir, l’ailier burkinabé a expliqué que quelques détails restaient toujours à régler, mais que «normalement demain, tout sera ok».

- Although Stade Rennes want to hire Saint Etienne’s Emmanuel Rivière and the player is responding in favour of a move to Britanny, a total agreement is still to be reached with AS Saint-Etienne. If this transfer should fail to be completed, the Breton club has got backup solutions ready. According to our information, if Rivière should drift away from Rennes, the Bretons recruiters would turn their attention to Anderlecht’s Argentinian striker Matías Suárez (23 y/o). Having scored 19 goals over the last two seasons in

- Looking for a new goalkeeper with the transfer of Gennaro Bracigliano to Marseille under way, AS Nancy-Lorraine have expressed an interest in Johann Carrasso, who is still looking for a destination for his season-long loan move to come. Two other goalkeepers have been shortlisted according to l’Equipe : Le Havre’s Johnny Placide and former Rennais Simon Pouplin, who reached the term of his contract with Freiburg.

- Announced as a done deal since several days, the arrival of Jérôme Leroy in Evian has been made official this Tuesday. The club from Savoie indeed announced the player’s presentation to the press. According to L’Équipe, Leroy signed a one year contract this Monday before taking part in his first training session with his new club.

Monday, July 4th

- Another name has come out for the “left back” position. According to L’Équipe, the young Liverpool defender, a U20 international with France (he was playing alongside Abdoulaye Diallo in France U19 Euro winning side last summer), is expected to leave his club at the beginning of this week. Three destinations are possible according to the newspaper: Villareal (Spain), Genk (Belgium) where he was loaned last season, and Rennes. L’Équipe affirm that the transfer fee would be around 1 million euros for the player trained at PSG and reaching the final year of his contract.

Sunday, July 3rd

- Questioned by Ouest-France, Pierre Dréossi refused to comment the latest rumours regarding Hérita Ilunga (West Ham) and Emmanuel Rivière (Saint-Étienne). “I don’t anything about these topics, the general manager declared ironically. […] In times like these, the least you say, the better off you are. We are working hard and I have got good hopes to complete one or two arrivals before the pre-season camp starts, on Thursday”. Put off by the last-minute twist in Morel’s transfer story, the Rennes general manager will probably avoid talking to much until the end of the transfer window.

- Transfers : Pitroipa will sign

- Shortly before 17:00, Hamburg SV announced via their official Twitter accountthatJonathan Pitroipa is on his way to join Rennes. The two clubs seem to have found an agreement (or to be very close) for the transfer of the Burkina Faso player.

- Negotiations are going on between Stade Rennes and Hamburg regarding the transfer of Burkina Faso’s winger Jonathan Pitroipa (25 y/o). According to L’Équipe, the German club are requesting a 5M€ transfer fee to let him go.

- Transfers : Rivière close to Rennes

Saturday, July 2nd

- According to the website of radio RMC, the name of Mouhamadou Dabo is one of the options considered by Stade Rennes for the left back position. Formerly at AS Saint-Etienne, is now playing for Sevilla FC, who are requesting a 2 million euros fee for his transfer. Yet another possible target alongside Marek Čech, Gaëtan Bong, Badr El Kaddouri and Hérita Ilunga.
Last year, Dabo had nearly signed at Stade Rennes before eventually choosing Sevilla. The former Saint-Etienne man had given his agreement before changing his mind.

Friday, July 1st

- This Friday, Le Progrès are questioning the future of young striker Emmanuel Rivière (21 y/o) at Saint-Etienne. Targeted by Toulouse since a long time, the player should not be joining the TFC, according to the local newspaper. However, Stade Rennes have reportedly taken information on his availability a few months ago, and have “come back to knock at the door” since then, Le Progrès affirm. Lorient is also interested, but they were put off by the fee Saint-Eienne are demanding (6 to 8 million euros).

Thursday, June 30th

- Who wil become Stade Rennes’ new left back? The mystery remains complete, but Ouest-France announce that one of the shortlisted players is former Rennais Hérita Ilunga (29 y/o). The West Ham player has got several direct connections with the club. He was trained at Rennes’ Academy from 1999 to 2002 before failing to receive a professional contract – as Julien Féret a year after him. After a short exile to Spain, he returned to France with Saint-Etienne, where he played his first season… under Frédéric Antonetti’s management.
At West Ham since 2008, Ilunga experienced relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season. According to Ouest-France, Lille and the Queen Park Rangers showed an interest for a transfer of the player over the last few weeks.

- After the possibility of a move to Ajaccio was probably denied (read below), Johann Carrasso should not have any more luck joining Toulouse, Ouest-France reports. At the club from the South of France, Carrasso failed to convince the staff unanimously. If this possibility was to be denied, the young goalkeeper would probably be brought to seek a loan in Ligue 2 in order to gain the desired playing time.

Wednesday, June 29th

- According to L’Équipe, AJ Ajaccio could soon hire Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as their first pick for next season. A decision which would keep Johann Carrasso away from Corsica, even though Ajaccio was considered to be one of most likely destinations for his loan move.

Tuesday, June 28th

- According to football365.fr, Bira Dembélé should sign a two-year contract with Sedan (Ligue 2) in the next few hours. The centre back, aged 23, has reached the end of his contract with the Stade Rennais after a season entirely played with the reserve.

- As we announced this Saturday, Frank Julienne will play for Le Havre this season. The forward has been loaned for the season to the Normand club, information they confirmed this Tuesday. The loan agreement doesn’t include a purchase option. Aged 20, Julienne will try to earn some playtime in Ligue 2, after he was only given a few minutes in Ligue 1 last season.

Monday, July 27th

- Still interested by the profile of Paris Saint-Germain’s Turkish striker Mevlüt Erding, Stade Rennes have contacted the Parisian club about a possible transfer, Le Parisien announced. The Breton recruiters haven’t gone further than an information request regarding his situation and the conditions of a possible transfer.

Saturday, June 25th

- Will Johann Carrasso be loaned to AC Ajaccio (Ligue 1) next season? The question is yet to be answered since – according to L’Équipe – the Corsican management are still considering either the young Rennes goalkeeper or Saint-Etienne’s Vincent Planté, loaned to Arles-Avignon last season. Ajaccio is expected to make a decision in the next few days, according to the newspaper.
According to lequipe.fr, Toulouse FC could also be the future destination of the young goalkeeper. The club from the South of France is indeed interested by the player’s profile.

Thursday, June 23rd

- According to RMC, Stade Rennes are interested in Morrocan left back Badr El Kaddouri (30 y/o, Dynamo Kiev) as a possible reinforcement alongside Valenciennes’ Gaëtan Bong. El Kaddouri’s arrival had already been a rumour in summer 2008, but Carlos Bocanegra eventually arrived in Brittany.

Wednesday, June 22nd

- Stade rennais have made the signature of Julien Féret on the basis of a three year contract official. Presented to the media at 16:30 this Wednesday, the former Nancy midfielder has received the number 8, left free since the departure of Sylvain Marveaux.

- Several clubs are currently in the race to try and sign Jérôme Leroy, whose contract at Stade Rennais is reaching its end. While Évian seemed to be the most likely option, Nice and Guingamp (L2) are now the favourites. According to Ouest-France, the experienced midfielder could receive a phone call from Noël Le Graët – recently named as the new president of the French Football Federation but yet to start in his new position – to try and convince him to return to the Côtes d’Armor.

- In today’s publication, Ouest-France reported the interest of Stade Rennes for two Mexican internationals: Alberto Medina, a 28 years old forward currently playing at Guadalajara and also a potential target for Nice, and Jonny Magallón, 29 years old, a defender at Chivas. “The players are thought to be worth about 3 million euros each”, the daily newspaper explained, also affirming that the Rennes recruiters are actively scouting in the Latin-American area.

Tuesday, June 21st

- According to Le Parisien, Stade Rennes are following a new lead to fill the left back position, after the transfer of Jérémy Morel fell through. Valenciennes’ Gaëtan Bong (23 y/o), a Cameroon international, is the club’s new priority according to the newspaper.

- According toFrance Football, Stéphane Dalmat has attracted interest from clubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The magazine précises that the midfielder – who has a year left on his contract – could be interested in the opportunity. His departure this summer doesn’t seem to be in the cards at the club though.

Sunday, June 19th

- Since Jérémy Morel finally choosed Olympique de Marseille (the player and the club have agreed on a four years contract), Stade Rennes are still looking for a left back. According to Mercato365.com, the Breton club could be reactivating an old trail: the one leading to Marek Čech. His name had first been mentioned in November 2007, when Rennes was looking for a replacement to Erik Edman, and the interest from the “Rouge et Noir” for the player – then at FC Porto – had been confirmed by the club’s president at the time, Frédéric de Saint-Sernin.
Stade Rennais had tried again to recruit the West Bromwich Albion player during the 2009-2010 winter transfer window, but the English club had refused to sell their left back. Contacts between Čech and the Rennes management were quite advanced then, and Pierre Dréossi had travelled to England to observe the player.

Saturday, June 18th

- According to mercato365.com, the transfer of Burkina Faso forward Jonathan Pitroipa is being discussed between Stade Rennes and Hambourg. Pitroipa has only one year left on his contract in Germany, and could be one of the two recruits expected in attack.

Friday, June 17th

- According to Ouest-France, the superb season of Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik has aroused interests, since FC Valencia are reportedly monitoring the Rennes defender. Difficult to imagine that the player could leave Stade Rennes just a year after his arrival, however.
Meanwhile, the daily newspaper affirms that Hamburg’s Burkina Faso international Jonathan Pitroipa is interesting the Stade Rennais. The 25 years old winger had already been named as a possible target for the Rennes recruitment unit last summer.

Thursday, June 16th

- The daily newspaper L’Équipe asserts that Johann Carrasso is “close” to joining AC Ajaccio (Ligue 1) for next season. Negotiations are in progress between the Corsican club and Stade Rennais, the latter wishes to loan the young goalkeeper. If Carrassowas to go to Ajaccio, he would be there in competition with Thierry Debès, who was the first goalkeeper of the Corsican club last year.

Wednesday, June 15th

- According to Ouest-France, Turkish striker Mevlüt Erding (Paris SG) will not come to Rennes. The transfer fee demanded and the player’s salary would not be compatible with Stade Rennes’ finances.
With the club still looking for two attacking reinforcements – on top of Julien Féret – Rennes is reportedly interested in Alicante’s Paraguayan striker Nelson Valdez (27 y/o), a former Dortmund and Werder Bremen player. His qualities as a supporting forward would match the “profile sought after”, according to the regional newspaper. France Football’s website, however, affirm that Valdez is not - conversely - a Rennes target for this mercato

Tuesday, June 14th

- During the press conference called to introduce new recruit Benoît Costil, Pierre Dréossi affirmed that the arrival of Lorient’s Jérémy Morel was “on the right track”, while précising that questions of distance with the player – currently in holiday in the USA – was delaying the finalisation of the transfer.
Le Mensuel de Rennes also report on their website that the general manager hopes to finalise the arrival of Julien Féret for the beginning of next week. The agreement is complete between all three parts, but the midfielder is yet to undergo the medical and sign his contract.

- Confirming the information we revealed on Friday evening, L’Équipe announce that Jérémy Morel should be wearing the Stade Rennais jersey next season. The newspaper affirmed that Stade Rennes would pay a transfer fee up to 2.5 million euros to Lorient, including bonuses.

Monday, June 13th

- According to RMC, the arrival of goalkeeper Benoît Costil, announced last Saturday, is being confirmed. The radio announced that Costil would undergo the traditional medical on Tuesday morning, before signing a three years contract in the afternoon. The player, who will soon turn 24, had reached the end of his contract in Sedan.

- After Spanish newspaper Marca mentioned a very strong interest from Real Madrid towards Yann M’Vila, Pierre Dréossi repeated today in the columns of the very same paper, that the young international wouldn’t leave Brittany this summer. “M’Vila will not leave, the general manager affirmed. We agreed with him so he would stay for another year. If he leaves, it will be next year, not now. He feels good here, and he told us he doesn’t want to leave. Real Madrid did not call us, but if they do we wouldn’t listen to their offer».

- Questioned on L’Équipe’s website, Jérémy Morel admitted being « in contact » with the Stade Rennais while keeping his options open regarding a move to Marseille. “There has been an interest from both these clubs, now I’m waiting to see whether they will convert it into acts”, the Lorient full back added. To the contrary of Rennes, however, Marseille haven’t made Morel their priority target.
According to our information, and as we announced on Friday evening, the transfer of the Lorient vice-captain to Rennes remains the most likely option, since the player and the Rennes management agreed on terms for the player’s arrival in the Breton capital.

Sunday, June 12th

- Stade Rennes are still interested in signing Mevlüt Erding, according to L’Équipe. Already followed by the Stade Rennais during the 2009 summer transfer market, the Turkish international had then decided to sign for Paris Saint-Germain, where Antoine Kombouaré doesn’t seem to rely on him for next season. His name had been mentioned again in Brittany in October 2010, but the transfer couldn’t be completed. At the time, Frédéric Antonetti declared that “all conditions couldn’t be satisfied” to secure the arrival of the Parisian striker in Rennes. Will they be satisfied this time, with Paris SG reportedly willing to let Erding go? Lille are also keeping an eye on the player.

- Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their midfield, and three players have attracted the interest of the club’s manager José Mourinho, according to daily newspaper Marca: Michael Essien, Momo Sissoko and Yann M’Vila. The Portuguese manager would have a preference for Essien, but faces two major issues: the fee requested (40 million euros) and Chelsea’s willingness to keep the Ghanaian on board. The same two issues would apply to M’Vila who has just extended his contract in Rennes until 2015 and whose estimated price would be around 30 million euros according to Marca.

Saturday, June 11th

- Transfers: Costil in Rennes this Tuesday?

Friday, June 10th

- As we announced three weeks ago (read previously), Jérémy Morel should be joining the Stade Rennais in a close future. Despite the competition of Olympique de Marseille, amongst others, the Lorient full back should be playing with the « Rouge et Noir » next season.

- Free to sign with the club of his choice, Jérôme Leroy is, as we already knew, followed by Nice and Évian Thonon Gaillard. However, the midfielder is also targeted by a few Ligue 2 clubs. According to Ouest-France, Leroy has drawn interest from FC Nantes, but also from En Avant de Guingamp, freshly promoted back to the second tier. Leroy has already played in the Cotes d’Armor during the 2003-2004 season, and left brilliant memories there. A move to Guingamp would therefore look as a choice from the heart.

Thursday, June 9th

- While confirming the transfer of Julien Féret to Stade Rennes, l’Est Républicain affirm the existence of rumours regarding another possible transfer between Rennes and Nancy. The Breton management are said to have interest in Youssouf Hadji, a former player of the club between June 2005 and January 2006. A rather surprising rumour, since the Moroccan international had left Brittany without manage to convince, and was mainly left on the fringes of the first team by Pierre Dréossi, then manager of the first team.

- In a big summary of the transfer rumours for each Ligue 1 team, L’Équipe confirmed the interest from Rennes for Lorient’s Jérémy Morel, which we announced about three weeks ago (read previously). The newspaper also announces that Kader Mangane reportedly “refused a contract extension”. On Tuesday afternoon, Pierre Dréossi announced that he would soon be meeting the Senegalese defender and his representatives.

Wednesday, June 8th

- According to our information, and as announced previously, Samuel Souprayen should be playing for Dijon next season. The left back should be signing his contract with the team from Bourgogne soon after the opening of the transfer market this Thursday.

- In the columns of daily newspaper L’Équipe, Évian Thonon Gaillard’s director of Sports Pascal Dupraz confirmed once again his wish to recruit Jérôme Leroy. «Jérôme is a perfect match to the profile we’re looking for, and we’ve already have success in trusting experienced players ». This includes former Rennes players Olivier Sorlin and Cédric Barbosa, two essential members of the Savoie’s club promotion campaign. Another meeting should be held “over the next few days” between Leroy and the Évian management.

- Who will the first choice goalkeeper in Rennes next season? According to L’Équipe, it could be Benoît Costil (Sedan), whose representatives have been contacted recently. A free agent, Costil is also targeted by Lens and Nantes, and he is not wishing to become the second choice in Paris or Marseille. Speaking to RMC yesterday, Pierre Dréossi hasn’t excluded the recruitment of a Ligue 2 player, provided he has played a full league season. Voted the best goalkeeper in Ligue 2, Costil match this criterion, and is naturally a much cheaper option than other targets such as Stéphane Ruffier or David Ospina. Contradictory information is being published on his case, however (read Monday 6th June).

Monday, June 6th

- The website of magazine France Football affirms that the possible transfer of Samuel Souprayen to Dijon is currently on standby. Although the club for Bourgogne want to see the defender return, after a season-long loan in 2009-2010, Stade Rennes is yet to take a decision on his situation.

- According to Belgian daily newspaper La Dernière Heure, Stade Rennes are interested in signing Standard de Liège striker Mohamed Tchité (27 y/o), who scored 17 times in 34 games this season. With several Turkish clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the player, Stade Rennes are thought to be considering making an offer to recruit him, the newspaper affirms.

- Ardennes’ newspaper L’Union affirms that Stade Rennes have abandoned their interest for Sedan’s keeper Benoît Costil (23 y/o), finally deciding to look for a keeper with more Ligue 1 experience.

Sunday, June 5th

- Questioned on Ouest-France’s website, FC Lorient general director Serge Areguian affirmed that an offer would be sent “as soon as this Monday” to AS Nancy-Lorraine by the club from Morbihan to try and recruit Julien Féret.

Saturday, June 4th

- Asked about the possible transfer of Julien Féret, AS Nancy-Lorraine president Jacques Rouselot affirmed he received “offers from Rennes and Lorient, according to RMC. It isn’t enough. With or without bonuses, we set the bar to 4.5 to 5 million euros. Saint-Étienne is also interested in him but they haven’t made an offer yet. Some German clubs are also interested”.

- Interested in signing Nancy’s Julien Féret, who is also a target for Stade Rennes, FC Lorient could “send an offer rapidly” to AS Nancy-Lorraine to try and complete his transfer, according to L’Équipe.

- Transfers: Benteke won’t come to Rennes

Friday, June 3rd

- Beyond Marseille, who contacted Rennes, Olympique Lyonnais and FC Sevilla are reportedly lining up to try and recruit Kader Mangane, according to Mercato365.com.

- Left free by Stade Rennes, Jérôme Leroy has had a meeting with the management of Évian Thonon Gaillard, according to Le Dauphiné. The newspaper affirms that the negotiations are advancing well towards a one year contract.

Thursday, June 2nd

- As planned, Bira Dembélé and Gaëtan Caro will leave Stade Rennes this summer. Both players have reached the end of their contract and won’t get an extension, L’Équipe announces. Left out of the professional squad during all the season, Dembélé hasn’t been called by Frédéric Antonetti once since he came back from his loan to Boulogne-sur-Mer. The defender spent the season with the Reserve, alongside Caro. As for the midfielder from the Cotes d’Armor, he didn’t convince during his first professional season. The option for an additional two years wasn’t subsequently taken, as opposed to his team-mate Vincent Pajot.

Wednesday, June 1st

- L’Équipe’s website announce that Stade Rennes have made an offer to AS Monaco for their South-Korean striker Chu-Young Park (25 y/o). However, the player’s wage is reportedly way over Rennes’ salary limit. The club from the principality has also received a second offer from a French team, and Park is also reported to be followed by several English clubs.

- According to Ouest-France, Valenciennes has expressed and interest for Georges Mandjeck. The Cameroon player is looking for more playing time, and could therefore want to leave Brittany.

- Still according to the regional newspaper, Marseille have contacted Rennes about the transfer of Kader Mangane, who is also followed by Lyon and would like to leave Brittany in case of a good opportunity. It remains to be seen whether Stade Rennes – who are trying to extend the defender’s contract, expiring in 2013 – will hang on to their player in case of a big offer.

- Lorraine newspaper L’Est Républicain announce that Stade Rennes is far from being the only club interested in signing Nancy’s Julien Féret. Two German clubs, Schalke 04 and Wolfsburg, have reportedly sent offers around 5 million euros. The question remains, whether the man from the Cotes d’Armor would be interested in playing in the Bundesliga, since he expressed his wish to return to Brittany.
Meanwhile, Ouest-France affirm that Stade Rennes, Nancy and Féret are “quite close to an agreement”, concluding that the outcome of this case should be known very soon.

- According to L’Équipe, as well as Dijon, Stade Malherbe de Caen « keep an eye » on the situation of Samuel Souprayen. The newspaper affirms that the defender “will not be playing with his training club next season”.

------ WINTER 2010 / 2011-----

Monday, March 14th

- In a recent interview, Nicolas Douchez affirmed he had recently « received a good contract offer » in view of next season, without unveiling the name of the club behind it. According to L’Équipe, the club was in fact Aston Villa (England). Douchez explained he had refused this “good offer” being “not 100% sure it was the right solution”.

Saturday, March 12th :

- According to France Football’s website, relaying an information from Orange Sport, Sylvain Marveaux should be joining Liverpool at the end of his contract, in June this year. The parties are reportedly “very close” to an agreement.

Saturday, February 26th :

- According to La Voix des Sports, Stade Rennais FC are particularly interested in RC Lens centre back Raphaël Varane. Only 17 years old, the young Lensois has imposed himself this season, either at centre back or as an anchor midfielder. He has also been called-up with France U21 for the first time in his career. Last winter, Rennes had already expressed an interest in the player in order to compensate the departure of Rod Fanni and numerous absences in defence. But Rennes had then received a strict refusal from RC Lens’ management. Contracted until June 2013, Varane is also followed by Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United.

Thurday, February 24th :

- L’Équipe’s website report an interest from Stade Rennes for Stade Malherbe de Caen’s midfielder Romain Hamouma. Arrived in Normandt from Laval last summer, Hamouma is also a reported target of Lille, Paris and possibly Marseille. After a very good Ligue 2 season in 2009-2010, the Caen player is confirming his talent this season. The newspaper estimates the value of his transfer to be arounf 4 million euros.

- According to mercato365.com, Italian club Napoli have added themselves to Yann M’Vila’s long list of pretenders. The Italian side is currently second in the Serie A.
A week and a half ago, Spanish side Atletico Madrid had also scouted the Rennes midfielder, during the game against Nice.

Thursday, February 18th :

- According to L’Équipe, the performances of midfielder Vincent Pajot, currently in loan at Boulogne-sur-Mer (Ligue 2), have convinced the Rennes management. Pajot had signed a one year contract with an optional two years extension. The option should therefore be activated, tying the player to Rennes until June 2013.
Pajot isn’t certain to join Rennes’ professional squad next season however. The French U21 international could instead be given a second loan move, in Ligue 1 this time.

Tuesday, February 8th :

- Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported an interest of AC Milan for Yann M’Vila this Tuesday. The Director of Sports at Milan, Ariedo Braida, has reportedly travelled himself to supervise the player, who is labelled the “new Vieira” by the Gazzeta.
Milan AC is another addition to a long list of pretenders already including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Friday, February 4th:

- According to the Daily Mail, Sylvain Marveaux is now a priority target of Newcastle United. According to the newspaper website, Marveaux is even close to finding an agreement with the English club on a pre-contract. With his contract expiring in June, the attacking midfielder will therefore be free to sign a contract with Newcastle, without any need for the Magpies to pay Rennes a transfer fee.

At the end of December, Marveaux seemed close to Liverpool after he came to Anfield Road – invited by the Reds – to watch a Premier League game. But since then, things have changed on the Merseyside, with manager Roy Hodgson replaced by Kenny Dalglish.

Tuesday, February 1st :

- According to L’Équipe, Stade Rennes is interested in AS Monaco defender Cédric Mongongu (21 y/o). Contracted until 2013, the Congolese international could be leaving the principality next summer. Paris Saint Germain is also thought to be interested in the player

Monday, January 31st :

- Questioned on France Football’s website, and hitting at the Paris SG’s attitude (Ed.: Paris tried to sign Dimitri Payet in the last days of the winter transfer window), Saint Etienne president Roland Romeyer revealed that Stade Rennes had also tried to sign a player from ASSE. “Rennes had also requested information about a player with the same refusal from us, Romeyer affirmed, but they did renounce and accepted our choice”. An attitude that wasn’t adopted by the Paris management
The name of the player Rennes was interested in hasn’t been revealed.

Sunday, January 30th :

- Questioned by L’Équipe, Nicolas Holveck, the AS Nancy-Lorraine general director, has discussed the situation of Julien Féret, in whom the Stade Rennais since to be interested in view of next season. “We haven’t received any offer regarding Julien Féret, Holveck affirms. Maybe his representatives have, not us. There is no price set as we are not planning to sell. But if Hadji costs 6 or 7 million, Féret, who is contracted to Nancy until June 2013, is obviously more expensive. He is younger, fresher as he has only played two seasons in L1, and he is knocking at the doors of the French national team. And he hasn’t mentioned a desire to leave!”. A clear warning to Rennes’ management.

Thursday, January 27th :

- According to website football365.fr, Stade Rennes is following the progression of Swedish forward Alexander Gerndt (Helsingborg). Aged 24, Gerndt has imposed himself as one of the best strikers in the Swedish league in 2010, receiving his first international caps I the process. The website adds that both the Borussia Dortmund and Spartak Moscow are also tracking the player. Helsingborg request a fee of 4 million euros to part with their player.

- At what position would the possible new Rennes recruit play, who may join Stade Rennes before the end of the transfer window? After Pierre Dréossi affirmed there would be no additional defender recruited, Ouest-France suggests that the player could be a midfielder.

Wednesday, January 26th :

Verhoek wants to “learn and give it everything”

Monday, January 24th :

- According to the Mensuel de Rennes, Dutch striker John Verhoek will only sign his contract on Wednesday, before being introduced to the media. The reason for this delay hasn’t been specified.

Sunday, January 23rd:

- In today’s edition , Ouest-France reports the words of a “member of the technical staff” whose name hasn’t been published, regarding John Verhoek’s qualities: “He is a finisher, he works very hard, he is strong, valiant, he is a good pivot in attacking phases, he creates a lot of spaces”. But the player remains a sportive gamble, arriving from the Dutch second division and having never played at a higher level. “He has a very good potential but he will have to adapt and improve”, the same source completes.

Saturday, January 22nd :

- Transfers, Verhoek: Den Bosch confirm

- According to Ouest-France, John Verhoek, "will arrive in Rennes this Monday to undergo the medical, and should sign his contract on Tuesday. He could be in the squad for the trip to Sochaux”. The newspaper adds.

Friday, January 21st :

- According to football365.fr, Stade Rennais is trying to “force the decision” in order to sign Den Bosch striker John Verhoek as soon as possible. The website reports, that discussions have gone ahead on Thursday and that there is a “feeling of optimism” regarding a deal between the parties.

Thursday, January 20th :

- Interviewed on website sports.fr, Valenciennes striker Grégory Pujol affirmed that Stade Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain have taken information about him. “I haven’t received any concrete proposition yet, no phone contact, but I know some teams have taken information, Pujol explains. Rennes and Paris are nice prospects, it’s good to hear. It makes me feels better too, It gives me confidence for the future. These are clubs matching what I’m looking for”.
As for VAFC, they’ve strictly refused any departure of their striker this winter

Wednesday, January 19th :

- Questioned in the Dutch press, John Verhoek’s agent Frank Schouten pointed out that in addition to Stade Rennes, a German club had already contacted the FC Den Bosch about his player. However, the case should not end immediately, as Schouten affirmed that his player would feature in Den Bosch’s next game, this Friday.

Tuesday, January 18th :

- Questioned yesterday, during the New France shirt presentation ceremony, Yann M’Vila affirmed once more that he could see himself remain in Rennes next season.”At this moment, I’m in Rennes and happy to be, he affirmed to RMC. It is the club that allowed me to progress and brings me joy. Most important is to know what my club will do next year. I hope the Champion’s League. I’m ready to stay. I can still improve here. If there is a place where I can blossom further at the moment, it is Rennes”.

According to sports.fr, Stade Rennes midfielder Tongo Doumbia is followed by the Genoa (Italian Serie A). The Italian management wished to negotiate a transfer for the former Chateauroux man, but they were offered a strict refusal from their Rennes counterpart

- Transfers : Verhoek targeted, but too expensive for the moment

- Football365.fr announced, that Den Bosch’s Dutch striker John Verhoek is “closely followed” by the Stade Rennais, who reportedly observed him last week-end. Aged 21, Verhoek plays in the Dutch second division, where he scored 10 goals in 16 games so far this season.

Monday, January 17th :

- Dréossi : « Benteke, it’s going more than well »

- Questioned by internet website football365.fr, Nancy’s Julien Féret expressed his interest for Stade Rennes once again. “I’ve never hidden that I love this club where I spent some time in the past, Féret explained. it’s a club of my region and I think they do a good job. I’m always keeping an eye on what Rennes does, and when I don’t play against them, I’m a Rennes supporter. The possibility to return them could tempt me, but we are not there yet».
As for Pierre Dréossi, also talking to football365.fr, he confirmed that Stade Rennes would not try to recruit the AS Nancy-Lorraine midfielder before next summer. “Julien Féret is a player we could be interested in, the general manager affirmed. But this is An opportunity for next season. End of story”.

Sunday, January 16th :

- According to RMC, Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has attracted the interest of yet another giant: The Bayern Munich. The german club is reportedly wishing to bring the Rennes youngster to Bavaria, and would be ready to spend 20 milion euros for him.

Friday, January 14th:

- Transfers : Benteke wants to come this winter but..

- According to this day’s edition of Le Parisien, Bordeaux is currently holding talks with Nancy about a possible transfer of Julien Féret during this winter transfer window. An offer of 5 million euros has reportedly already been transmitted to Nancy president Jacques Rousselot.

Will Rennes counter the offer or will the club let their chance slip through on this case? According to the latest rumours, the Rennes recruitment team is thinking about hiring Féret, but only in view of next summer.

- Still in Le Parisien, the FC Sevilla (Spain) is reportedly interested in Nicolas Douchez for a transfer next summer. The newspaper adds that the Rennes goalkeeper “dreams” of playing in Spain.

Thursday, January 13th:

- According to our information, Pierre Dréossi will be travelling to the Netherlands tomorrow. The General manager is targeting a striker playing in the Eredivisie, whose identity remains unknown.

- According to RMC.fr, the Standard de Liège has refused a first offer from Stade Rennes regarding their striker Christian Benteke. The amount of this first offer hasn’t been précised.

Wednesday, January 12th :

- According to L’Équipe, Stade rennais is following the progression of RC Lens’ Cameroonese player Henri Bedimo. Bedimo plays on the left flank, either in defence or at midfield. Aged 28, he is with the “Sang et Or” since just a year. He would be free to leave in case the Artesian club was to be relegated.

Confirming the information we published yesterday, the newspaper also announced that Pierre Dréossi travelled to Belgium earlier this week, in order to negotiate on the transfer of Christian Benteke.

Tuesday, January 11th :

- According to our information, Stade Rennais has shown interest in Christian Benteke, a Belgian-Congolese striker at Standard de Liège. Loaned to FC Malines since September, the young player would only be available at the end of the current seasons, since he took part in the first five match days of the Jupiler League with Liege before heading to the Antwerp Province. Aged 20, the tall striker (1.91m) is a full Belgian international since May 2010.

Monday, January 10th :

- Transfers: The rumour Adiyiah

- According to website Sports.fr, Stade Rennes has made Anderlecht’s Argentine striker Matías Suárez (22 y/o) one of their “priority targets”. In Belgium since two and a half year, Suárez played just under 100 games for 20 goals scored.

Sunday, January 9th :

- According to L’Équipe, Stade Rennes has contacted Julien Féret (28 y/o, Nancy) for a possible transfer in June this year. Pierre Dréossi has reportedly met the player’s representatives twice in December. Trained at Saint Brieux and then Rennes, Féret was then released when he was 21, and went the hard way too reach the professional level. Today, he is one of the best attacking midfielders in Ligue 1, pre-selected several time by Laurent Blanc to join the French squad. According to L’Équipe, the perspective of returning to Rennes would be a “dream” for him.

Friday, January 7th :

- With a contract expiring in June, Sylvain Marveaux will very probably leave Brittany. But where will he end signing? According to L’Equipe’s website, even though the club has raised interest from Lyon and Marseille (where he is reportedly a “priority” target of José Anigo), he would rather leave for a challenge abroad.

Juventus Turin have reportedly approached him, but the Vannes-born midfielder prefers England. Seen in England at the end of December, Marveaux is believed to be also targeted by Newcastle. According to L’Equipe, he should “take a decision before the end of the month” on his future destination.

Thursday, January 6th :

- Questioned by the 10 Sport’s website, Pierre Dréossi was keen to terminate the rumours about Demba Ba. Would the Senegalese international arrive in Brittany this winter or next summer? “It’s a no”, the Rennes general manager guaranteed.
Dréossi also affirmed that the principle of « zero departure this winter would be firmly applied. In other terms, an exchange of players between Stade Rennes and another club is excluded.

- Mostly a substitute since he arrived in Brittany, Georges Mandjeck is reportedly “followed very closely” by German clubs Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim, France Football website announced. A transfer this winter is unlikely however, as the Stade Rennais announced that no departure would be allowed.

Wednesday, January 5th :

- football365.fr reports that Hoffenheim’s Senegalese striker Demba Ba refused to join the rest of the squad for a training camp. Ba, who expressed his interest for the Stade Rennais on December 30th, is targeted by several English teams, who haven’t managed to agree with the german club so far.

Tuesday, January 4th :

- Jebbour asked for a loan move

- Pierre Dréossi: “Anything is possible”

Monday, January 3rd :

- Announced as one of Rennes’ targets at centre forward, Elfsborg’s Swedish striker Denni Avdić has finally signed a 3 and a half years contract with Werder Bremen (Germany). According to football365.fr, the transfer fee is in the area of 2.5 million euros.

- Transfers, official : Boukari four and a half years at Stade Rennes

Sunday, January 2nd :

- According to La Voix du Nord, the transfer (and not the loan, finally) of Razak Boukari to Lens should bring 5M€ to RC Lens. A lump of money that should allow the RC Lens, according to its president Gervais Martel, to prepare its next meeting with the DNCG (National Directorate of Management Control)

- Boukari at Rennes this Monday

- Questionned by website Lensois.com, the general secretary of RC Lens, Didier Roudet, has affirmed once again that Razak Boukari could arrive in Brittany soon… but as a loan. “the club is in a difficult position at the moment, he explained. So we are thinking about selling or loaning some of our players, such as Razak Boukari, who should be loaned to Stade Rennes if we manage to agree on the transfer conditions”.

- Is Rennes looking for an additional creative player? Whereas it was thought that the Rennes management was looking for forwards only, L’Equipe affirms that Stade Rennes has requested “information” about former Marseille player Karim Ziani. However, the Wolfsburg player’s salary could be a stumbling block for the Stade Rennais.

Saturday, January 1st :

- According to Le Parisien, Razak Boukari ’s transfer to Rennes is “judged to be well on its way”, despite the fact that both clubs could not agree on the player’s transfer fee at the moment. While Stade Rennes has reportedly sent a firm offer of 4 million euros, the Lens management is asking for 6 million euros to let their forward leave during this winter transfer window.

Friday, December 31st :

- After Frédéric Antonetti asked for defensive reinforcement a few weeks ago, in order to cover for the possibility of an extended absence of Onyekachi Apam, the 10 Sport reports that the expected defender could arrive as a loan. No name has filtered, but Pierre Dréossi has used loans in several occasions in the past to fill the gaps in defence. It is in this way, notably, the John Mensah arrived in Brittany.

- A day before the winter tranfer market opens, Razak Boukari’s transfer seems ever closer to happen. According to L’Équipe, negotiations have been reopened between Stade Rennes and RC Lens this Wednesday, but a final decision could only made when Gervais Martel, currently in holidays in New York, returns in Lens. According to the newspaper, a fee of 5 million euro is now discussed, as Stade Rennes has offered a four and a half year contract to Boukari.

Thursday, December 30th :

- Previously rumoured, Demba Ba’s name doesn’t seem to be flavour of the month anymore in Rennes. “I know they came to see me play but nothing concrete followed, it’s a shame”, Hoffenheim’s Senegalese striker regrets in an interview to L’Equipe. The player, who has scored six goals so far this season, would have like to sign in Brittany. “I would had given a lot of attention to an offer from Rennes, the club admitted.It is a stable and ambitious club, which would have been really interesting for me. I spoke with Senegalese friends, they told me Antonetti is someone who can help players improve their skills a lot”.

- Talking to Ouest-France, RC Lens general secretary Didier Roudet confirmed the discussion with Stade Rennes for a possible transfer of Razak Boukari. Going further, Roudet affirmed that the transfer is on “a good way”, and that Boukari “wants to sign for Rennes”. Roudet is also agreeing with the Rennes management, wishing a quick outcome to the transfer. “If the transfer could be realised by the end of the week, it would be good, he affirms. The staff will need to know when the training restarts, whether they can count on Razak or not. And Rennes need a player as soon as possible”.

Wednesday, December 29th :

- English newspaper The Guardian announced on their website, that Sylvain Marveaux was at Anfield Road (Liverpool) this Wednesday on invitation from the English club. The paper also announces that Marveaux could be the first winter recruit for the Reds, even though the Rennes management affirmed no player would be free to leave the club during the winter transfer window.
Free in June next year, Marveaux may also be in England to negotiate a contract that would only take effect at the end of the current season.

- According to RMC.fr, the Stade Rennais has made an offer of 3.5 million euros to try and convince RC Lens to let Razak Boukari go. A sum far from the 6 million asked by the Artesian club. Logically, the radio’s website adds that no agreement has been found between the clubs.

- As some rumours announced an interest from Rennes for Valenciennes’ striker Grégory Pujol, VAFC President Francis Decourrière closed the door to the departure of his player. Talking to weekly magazine le 10 Sport, the Nord club’s president is adamant. “We won’t sell him. Gregory will stay with us until the end of the season”.

Tuesday, December 28th :

- According to Le Foot Bretagne, among all the strikers whose names have fed the rumour in Rennes over the last months, Lacina Traoré (Cluj) is now the Breton recruiters’ favourite. The young Ivorian (20 years) has got the profile sought for, a tall striker (2,03m) able to challenge efficiently in the air, in order to take part in the play or shoot to goal.

Monday, December 27th:

- Transfers : Rennes want to act quickly

- According to lequipe.fr, another French club is also thinking of recruiting Razak Boukari. Toulouse FC, another club lacking of attacking players, have “targeted” him, without contacting the RC Lens at this moment however.

Sunday, December 26th :

- Transfers : Is Rennes ready to attack?

Saturday, December 25th :

- Talking to RMC Sport, Pierre Dréossi explained that the club is currently searching in France to find reinforcement in attack: “We are after players based in France, because the winter transfer market is quite particular. They have to adapt quickly. We will try to find someone in the French League”. Since several days, Lens striker Razak Boukari seems to be getting closer and closer to Rennes. However, and still according to RMC, the Lens board would only release their player for a fee of six million euros.

- Tomorrow, Pierre Dréossi will travel to Paris in order to meet with Patrick Le Lay and the club’s main shareholder, François Pinault. During this meeting, the three men will discuss the next summer transfer market in Rennes, as well as the shortlist of players established by the Rennes coaching staff: “I will propose one or two possible recruits”, the Rennes general manager explained to Ouest-France yesterday. Besides this meeting, Dréossi admitted that a « very promising young player » could be signing in the next few days. The player’s name hasn’t been revealed, but he would certainly not join the professional squad before the 2011-2012 season.

Friday, December 24th

- Talking to le 10 Sport, Nicolas Douchez opened the door to a possible move abroad at the end of his contract in June. “No French club has been in touch with me yet. But I’ve got contacts abroad”, the Rennes goalkeeper affirmed. He also explained that the rumour sending him to Paris Saint-Germain was “completely made-up”. From January, Douchez will be free to negotiate directly with any club interested in signing him, in order to agree on a June transfer. He also explained that he is “used to the idea of leaving [Rennes] next summer”.

- According to L’Équipe’s website, Stade Rennesis interested in Papiss Cissé (25 y/o), the striker of Freiburg (Bundesliga). Cissé has scored thirteen goals since the beginning of the season. A level of performance that would force the club to a big financial effort in order to try and recruit him.

------ SUMMER 2010 -----

Tuesday, August 31st

- (22:00) Rod Fanni will remain in Rennes at least until the winter transfer window. Negotiations between Atletico Madrid and the Stade Rennais did not reach an agreement. According to RMC, a five million euros fee was requested for this transfer, but the Spanish club’s inability to bring financial guarantees proved a stumbling block to the transaction.

- (20:00) According to RMC, the RC Lens proposed Eduardo to the Stade Rennais. the Breton club refused. The former Guingamp player, who scored a brace against Rennes in the 2009 Coupe de France final won’t come. No other player will, according to the Radio’s website.

- (18:10) Ouest-France reports a 16 million euros transfer fee for Asamoah Gyan’s transfer to Sunderland. The transfer has been officialy confirmed by the Stade Rennais Football Club.

- (18:00) In the last hours of this transfer window, while Gyan’s departure is confirmed, Bangoura’s transfer and Gouffran possible arrival, which we announced yesterday, fail to be confirmed, and the local media seem quite pessimistic on the case (L’Équipe, Ouest-France, Le Mensuel de Rennes). Uncertainty remains on Fanni’s possible departure to Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side has now received money they missed over the last few weeks to buy the Rennes defender (Rennes requested 4.5 million euros), after Jurado was transferred to Schalke for 13 million euros. Only a few hours remain for the situation to be resolved.

- Dembélé could stay, the Atletico Madrid back on Fanni’s case

- Loans, official: Badiane in Dijon for one year

- Bangoura and Gyan on their way, Gouffran in Rennes ?

Monday, August 30th

- According to the Daily Mirror’s website, Sunderland has sent an improved offer for Asamoah Gyan. The English club is now offering 10 million pounds (12.2 million euros) and additional bonuses. Rennes is asking for 15 millioon pounds (18.3 million euros)

Sunday, August 29th

- According to the Radio channel RMC, Ismaël Bangoura could be loaned to Al-Nasr SC (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) for the rest of this season.

- L’Equipe reports that Sunderland has expressed an interest on Rod Fanni to close their summer transfer market. According to the Sports newspaper, both clubs have been discussing the situationof the French international this Saturday. The player will be allowed to leave in case a good offer was to be made.

Thursday, August 26th

According to Italian website itasportpress.it, Rennes is interested to loan Brasilian winger Amantino Mancini (30 y/o). The Breton club would then pay half the Inter Milan’s player wage (3.3 million euros per year).

Tuesday, August 24th

- Asamoah Gyan will not join Sunderland. The English club was ready to offer 8 Million pounds (9.7 million euros) to sign the Ghanaian striker, as Rennes still requests at least 12 million (14.6 Million euros), the “Daily Express” revealed

Saturday, August 21st

- Talking to L’Équipe, Pierre Dréossi gave his views on the latter stages of the summer transfer window in Rennes, and particularly on possible departures. Talking about Bangoura, Fanni and Gyan, the club’s general manager indicated he had only received “uninteresting offers” for all three players since the transfer window has opened. Dréossi added that the Stade Rennais wasn’t keen on selling their players, “except in the case of an offer too good to turn down”

Friday, August 20th

- Transfers, Dréossi: “Bangoura in Toulouse, it’s not gonna happen”

- According to Andalucian daily newspaper Estadio Deportivo, Kader Mangane’s name is part of a shortlist at FC Sevilla, in case Sébastien Squillaci was to leave the Spanish club for Arsenal. The departure of the Rennes central defender remains very hypothetical, a few days from the transfer market’s closure.

Tuesday, August 17th

- Conflicting informations regarding Rod Fanni’s future, this morning in the french press. According to L’Equipe’s website, Rennes has finally received the financial guarantees expected from the Spanish club, which had been blocking the transfer process since weeks. The defender could therefore arrive in Spain over the next few days.
Ouest-France, however, announces that the Atlético opportunity is “now over”, and that Fanni will remain in Rennes this season.

Monday, August 16th

- Players on Loan: N’Diaye to be loaned, Doumbia to remain in Rennes

Saturday, August 14th

- Pierre Dréossi hasn’t received any new offers for Rod Fanni according to France Bleu Armorique. The Rennes defender could not be transferred to Atletico Madrid, after the Spanish club failed to give the required financial guarantees.

- Cheick N’Diaye should be loaned to Paris FC (National) this season, according to Mercato365.com. 3rd or 4th choice in the goalkeepers’ hierarchy, N’Diaye had already been loaned to Creteil in 2007-2008. He did not play any game with the professional squad last season.

Friday, August 13th

- According to the Daily Mail, English club Sunderland is about to make a £8 Million offer (9.7 million euros) to the Stade Rennais for striker Asamoah Gyan.

Tuesday, August 10th

- Targeted by Rennes in case Asamoah Gyan was to leave the club, Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) discussed about his future destination in local newspaper Nice Matin. Despite a clear preference for the English Premier League, he doesn’t refuse the possibility of a move to Rennes: “I would not mind Rennes. I know Frédéric Antonetti very well, it was him who gave me the chance to start with OGC Nice. To work with him again would be a real pleasure. It would make my adaptation easier too. And Laurent Blanc’s words, who advises us players to be regular starters in French clubs rather than sitting on the bench abroad, will certainly play a role in my reflexion”.

Monday, August 9th

- While Pierre Dréossi keeps all options open for a possible transfer, as long as he receives a 18 million euro offer, Asamoah Gyan repeated his will to “play” to Ouest France: “Honnestly, I’m very pleased to be in Rennes, the coach likes me, the fans are great with me. I heard this ovation when I came in (against Lille), it’s a pleasure to get recognition from the fans for what I’m doing for the Stade Rennais”

Sunday, August 8th

- After the game against Lille, Pierre Dréossi gave a new update on Asamoah Gyan’s situation in Rennes, and failed once more to reveal his true intentions: "Gyan remains with Rennes", the Rennes general manager started, confirming talks were over with Fenerbahçe. He immediately added, however, that the Stade Rennais could not resist to a “good offer” for their Ghanaian striker: “This is today’s truth, but we might not be able to refuse a good offer in the future”. Source: Ouest-France

Saturday, August 7th

- Transfers: Gyan drifts away from Fenerbahçe

- According to Le Parisien, Rennes are closely following the performances of a youngster from Paris’ Academy, Adama Touré (19 y/o). Arrived in Paris in June 2009, the Malian born player managed good performances with the Reserve, and was even included in the professional squad by manager Antoine Kombouaré. On a trainee contract in the French capital, the player, an attacking midfielder considered as one of Mali’s most talented youngster, is reportedly about to be offered a professional contract in Rennes.

Friday, August 6th

- While Pierre Dréossi’s deadline for Asamoah Gyan was set on this Friday, Fenerbahçe seem in no rush to wrap up the case. Indeed, the Istanbul based club has now decided to give themselves some more time before making a decision, according to L’Equipe. Knocked out in the Champions League qualifying round, the Turks are thought to be reconsidering their investment plan for the season to come.

- Still in L’Equipe, Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) is Rennes’ priority if Gyan was to leave the club. Rennes is reportedly ready to make an offer of 14 million euro to bring the French international at the Route de Lorient.

Thursday, August 5th

- Contrats : Boye devrait prolonger un an

- Transferts, officiel : Oniangue s’engage pour trois ans à Tours

- Transfers : What is Rennes playing at?

Wednesday, August 4th

- Interviewed in Nice Matin Nice president Gilbert Stellardo confirmed Rennes’ interest for Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) in case Asamoah Gyan left: “Their idea is to sell Gyan to Fenerbahçe and replace him with Remy. We had contacts with Dréossi. Now the player also needs to decide. Right now, I don’t know if he wants to go to Brittany. The proposition made by Rennes and the English clubs are not the same, in terms of money and in terms of football. We discussed it yesterday evening (i.e: Monday) with his agent, and we agreed everything has to be over at the end of this week”.

- While it could be thought that Mamadou Niang’s declarations would end up discussions regarding Asamoah Gyan’s transfer to Fenerbahçe, it now seems that the discussions are going on. According to website Football365.fr, the Ghanaian striker “should sign a contract soon” with the Istanbul club, for a fee of 16 million euros. Kévin Gameiro (23 y/o),Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) and Johan Audel (26 y/o) are lined up to replace Gyan in Rennes.

- Transfers, Fanni: “I’m sitting on the fence”

- Mamadou Niang could jeopardise Asamoah Gyan’s departure to Fenerbahçe. Indeed, the Marseille striker has shown a deep interest for the Istanbul club, as he confirms today in an interview to L’Équipe. The Turkish management is also thought to have made Gyan their main target, Niang’s transfer proving much cheaper than Gyan’s.

Tuesday, August 3rd

- According to L’Equipe, the Stade Rennais is ready to accept Asamoah Gyan to Fenerbahçe for about 16.5 million euro. the Breton club would then set its sights on Nice’s Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) to replace the Ghanaian striker, but Valencienne’s Johan Audel (26 y/o) is also followed as a back-up solution.

Monday, August 2nd

- Transfers: Rennes, biggest spender in Ligue 1

- Transfers : Esteban signs for Servette Geneva

Sunday, August 1st

- Entangled in long negotiations with the Stade Rennais about Asamoah Gyan, Fenerbahçe is now turning to other targets to strengthen their attack. After Bafétimbi Gomis (Lyon) and Loïc Rémy (Nice), Marseille’s Mamadou Niang is the last striker coveted by the Turks, according to RMC.

- Transfers: Dembélé and Oniangue undesired in Rennes

Saturday, July 31st

- Answering to the latest rumours announcing Rod Fanni’s imminent departure to Atletico Madrid, Pierre Dréossi made sure to deny the information: "Atletico Madrid did not come back to us over the last few days. The Spaniards did not improve their offer, and Rod Fanni remains at the Stade Rennais", he explained to daily newspaper Ouest-France.

Friday, July 29th

- L’Equipe reports that Rod Fanni’s transfer at Atletico Madrid could be a matter of days. Everything seems to be finalised for the transaction to take place, and only banking warranties are now needed from the Madrid side, before the French international can join the Spanish Liga. Fanni would sign a three years contract, involving a fee of 5 million euros, and would receive a yearly salary of 1.4 million euro, according to AS.

- One of Rennes’ potential targets if Asamoah Gyan was to leave, Kévin Gameiro (23 y/o) is very unlikely to leave Lorient according to Loïc Féry, the Morbihan club’s president. Indeed, speaking to RMC, he assured his player would not leave, apart for a "colossal offer".

Thursday, July 29th

- Speaking on RMC, Pierre Dréossi discussed the Asamoah Gyan again, affirming "no interesting offer from Fenerbahçe or any other club” had been received for the African player. Besides, he admitted that Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) was a possibility for the Stade Rennais, but possibly not for the player: "We could be interested in him. I’m not sure he would want to come to Rennes though. And I’m not sure Rennes would have the financial power to bring him either”.

- Transfers: Fanni snubs West Ham and Sunderland

- Determined to recruit Asamoah Gyan, Fenerbahçe is still unable to convince the Rennes management about the Ghanaian international’s transfer (read below). Consequently, the Turkish club is now setting its sights on Lyon striker Bafétimbi Gomis, according to Le Parisien. The Istanbul team’s board is said to be preparing an offer of 12 million euros + 3 million in added bonuses to sign the former Saint Etienne player.

- Gyan : “I don’t know what my future is made of”

Wednesday, July 28th

- This is an information from Football365: Fenerbahçe is “about to finalise” Asamoah Gyan’s arrival. Last week, Stade Rennais Online was first to reveal the meeting between the clubs about the Ghanaian international’s transfer. The Turkish team is now thought to be ready to offer a 16 million euros transfer fee. To replace him, Rennes is targetting Loïc Rémy (23 y/o), for whom the “Rouge et Noir” are reportedly ready to offer 14 million euros.

- According to Ouest-France, the Stade Rennais is trying to sell some of its players. Loaned last season, Bira Dembélé and Prince Oniangue have been listed for transfer by the club. Indeed, the two players were no part of Frédéric Antonetti’s tactics for the next season.

Tuesday, July 27th

- In today’s edition, newspaper Le Parisien reports an improved offer from Fenerbahçe for Asamoah Gyan. Indeed, the Turkish club is said to be ready to propose 16 million euros to recruit the Rennes striker. A proposal, which could “make the Stade Rennais think” according to L’Équipe’s website, in which the Loïc Rémy (23 y/o) is brought forward again as a possible replacement to Gyan.

Monday, July 26th

- According to Soviet Sport, Asamoah Gyan is a transfer target for Rubin Kazan. Defending Russian champions, Kazan are believed to be preparing an offer of 12 to 15 million euros to hire the Ghanaian international.

- Speaking to Ouest-France, Pierre Dréossi replied to the various rumours regarding Asamoah Gyan’s future: "Rennes is not on a seller position, Asamoah is in Rennes and will remain here next season".

Sunday, July 25

- According to Sports newspaper El Bocón’s website, Stade Rennais is believed to have an interest on peruvian goalkeeper Raúl Fernández (24 y/o). The Rennes management is even said to have sent an offer to Universitario de Deportes, “Supermán”’s (Fernández’ nickname) current club, who asks for 600,000 euros for their player, an amount Rennes would not be ready to pay. With 3 caps for the Peruvian national team, Fernández is also followed by Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) and San Lorenzo (Argentina)

- While Fenerbahçe Istanbul hope to sign Asamoah Gyan, Le Parisien reveals that English clubs Liverpool, Blackburn and Tottenham are also interested in recruiting the Ghanaian striker.

Saturday, July 24th

- Transfers: Gameiro to replace Gyan?

Friday, July 23rd

- Carlos Bocanegra was expected to arrive yesterday to sign a contract with AS Saint-Etienne. According to the newspaper Le Progres, the American player should finally sign this morning a two-year deal with the Forez club. Bocanegra has never really been able to truly convince Rennes supporters and wanted to make a move this summer. He was still contracted to Stade Rennais for another year but Rennes managers agreed to let him go. According to the newspaper France Football, both clubs agreed to a €165 000 transfer fee.

Thursday, July 22th

- Transfers, Douchez : “I’m not moving”

- A target of Stade Brestois, Abdoul Razzagui Camara won’t move towards the Penfeld banks, since Rennes refused to consider any loan or transfer offer for the young Rennes striker. Indeed, Frédéric Antonetti would like to keep him in his squad for the coming season.

Wednesday, July 21th

- Transfers, Gyan : Negotiations between Rennes and Fenerbahçe

Tuesday, July 20th

- The mind-games continue between Rennes’ and Atletico Madrid‘s management, over the possible transfer of Rod Fanni. Pierre Dréossi sent the last blow to date today, during a press conference. In reply to the Spanish newspaper As, who announced an agreement between the sides at the end of last week, the Rennes manager refuted the information once more: «This case is reaching a dead end. I don’t think Rod Fanni will sign for this club», he explained. Pierre Dréossi would show no opposition to his player’s departure, but no financial agreement could be found with the Madrid team, reports the website rennes.lemensuel.com.

Monday, July 19th

- Transfers, official: Rennes finally sign Dalmat

- Stéphane Dalmat (31 y/o) will become a Rennes player this Monday, commanding a transfer fee of 1.5 million euros. After the usual medical checks, the Sochaux attacking midfielder will sign for Rennes until June 2012.

Friday, July 16th

- Transfers, official : Bocanegra signs for Saint-Étienne

- AS Saint Etienne is expected to take a decision today regarding Carlos Bocanegra’s transfer, according to Ouest-France.

- Transfers : Dalmat close to signing with Rennes

Thursday, July 15th

- Stephane Dalmat could still be on his way to Rennes, according to his agent, Alexandre Krstic: « We’re expecting good news within two or three days. Rennes handed a very decent offer, and I believe Sochaux will accept it »

- Ghanaian striker Éric Bekoe (21 y/o) is thought to be Rennes’ target according to the website espoirsdufootball.com.The young international, contracted to Egyptian club Petrojet FC, wasn’t included in the Ghanaian World Cup squad. Five times a goalscorer with his country, he is said to be trailed by several teams including Olympique Marseille, Lille OSC and Al-Ahly (Egypt).

Wednesday, July 14th

- According to the 10 Sport’s website, Stéphane Dalmat (31 y/o) will eventually become a Rennes player. An agreement seems to have been found between both teans over the player’s transfer fee: 1.6 million euros.

- Transfers : Dréossi “doesn’t close the door” to Gyan’s departure