Maybe coming, maybe going

By: Sam | November 13th, 2006

Two notably talented young bucks announced either their desire to be exported or to be imported. No, it’s not Ribéry. Amazingly, Messi hasn’t unveiled plans to leave Barca for US Notre-Dame-de-Champignac just yet. However, PSV Eindhoven’s Ivoirian striker, Arouna Koné, has recently expressed a desire to play in his adoptive country. On the other hand, Bordeaux’s freshly-internationalized midfielder Rio Mavuba has said he would like to try his luck somewhere else.

Koné, scoring in bundles since his transfer to the dutch powerhouse, has already scored two goals in the UCL and scored eleven times in 21 games last season. Said Koné (translated from french): It’s true that I’d like to play in France. A few years ago I had a tryout at Lens, but it fell through and I quickly signed in Belgium. For the moment, I don’t have a concrete idea about next year. I’m not ruling anything out. I wouldn’t be a against leaving. All that depends on PSV’s point of view. In France, there are only two clubs I’d like to play for. Lyon and Marseille.

Marseille, who already have to count their quality strikers on more than one hand, are apparently interested in luring the standout African to the south of France. Lyon seem less interested of late. However, Paris Saint-Germain have also cried out to the player, and have attended many a game in Eindhoven.

Rio Mavuba, the mono-capped slick defensive midfielder has recently been on uneven terms with head coach Ricardo, and has left his doors open for any club to come in and make an offer. Said Mavuba (translated from french): With my surroundings, we’ll think it over, we’ll ponder the possibilities. If I have to go the whole way, no problem. With my teammates in Bordeaux, we’re on the same boat, we’re not going to let up. But if opportunities come up, I’ll be there. The coaches decisions, I can’t explain them. But I would like more credit. Everything has gone well thus far. I never cheated. On the bench for a league game, why not. But sitting for big games, Liverpool for example, that stayed in my throat. Considering the first leg went very well.

Juventus, for one, has vaguely approached him. The money Bordeaux would collect could aid them in recruiting a much needed dynamic attacker…