The Daily-Or-So News Dispatch (07.08.09)

By: Sam | August 9th, 2007

Hungry for transfers, rumours and goings-on, the Daily-or-so News Dispatch (DND) pirate ship approaches an unsuspecting mom-and-pop info rowboat for the hottest Ligue 1 tidbits, extra special today with little stories about Charles Itandje, Daniel Cousin, Sidi Keita and Samir Nasri.

+ After speculation of a move to either Lyon or Manchester United, it’s in fact to Liverpool FC that Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje is heading. With the arrivals of Vedran Runje and Ronan Le Crom, the 24-year old’s playing opportunities were very sparse, especially under new manager Guy Roux, who apparently didn’t care too much about the man who spent five solid years with le Sang et Or. Neither financial figures nor even the duration of the contract have been leaked yet, and Liverpool’s official website hasn’t said anything yet, so I guess it’s not completely official. But it will be within 24 hours, for sure. He’ll be Pepe Reina’s backup keeper, with the high likelihood of Scott Carson being loaned to Villa for the season.

+ As you can read on The Offside today, RCL’s out-of-favor striker Daniel Cousin is leaving the hostile environment known as Lens for the green pastures of Ibrox Park in Glasgow. A three-year deal was struck for about 1,5 million euros. He’ll be playing alongside his buddy Jean-Claude Darcheville, in what they hope will be the Champions League group stage, but before that will face Red Star Belgrade in the third round.

+ Lens are all over the news today. Sidi Keita, the first player to receive a red card in Ligue 1 play this season, found out today that he’ll be suspended for two matches due to the severity of his horrible tackle on Wendel in injury time of Lens’ opening match against Bordeaux.

+ Wiltord. Again. God. Last I heard, he was on the verge of signing on with Rennes. According to his lawyer, anyway. Possibilities of a two-year contract with his former club have been evoked, but the Lyon staff seem to think he’s staying. It isn’t any more clear than it ever was, in fact. But if he does move, it’ll be there.

+ The Marseille medical staff have given their word that Samir Nasri is fit to participate in OM’s home debut against Rennes this Saturday. He hurt his ankle in a friendly against Bordeaux on July 7th. Don’t count on Albert Emon starting him, but a half-hour at the end of the match is a very plausible scenario.

+ A new option for bench-savvy centerback Mario Yepes of Paris Saint-Germain: Olympiakos, defending champs of the Greek Super League. Rivaldo’s former side is also batting their lashes at PSG’s Cristian Rodriguez.