The Scoop

By: Corey | July 14th, 2008

Yeah…..

So here is a lowdown of all the transfer activity that is going on in France right now as the country celebrates its birthday.

First, there is the hilarious, yet resounding move that Marseille fans have made by starting an online collection to raise the funds needed to buy Didier Drogba from Chelsea. Having raised only 1.5 million euros so far, that doesnt seem like happening. But the point has been raised, that Marseille fans dont agree with Pape Diouf and his small minded transfer moves (small because he wants to recruit tiny Baky Kone and the somewhat short Ben Arfa has already been added).

Next up, is the strange sequence of events that is Oscar Ewolo’s contract dispute/transfer plea with Lorient. He has said he was promised a new contract, but that has yet to materialize from the Lorient management, so he wants a transfer. But that has also been held up by some strange circumstances, most notable Lille’s ability to get Rio Mavuba from Vilarreal and Rennes ability to hold on to Stephane M’Bia. He look set to stay with Lorient this year and probably get a contract, but not in the time frame he wanted.

People are still linking Claude Makelele with PSG. I dont see how, its obvious Big Phil will use Mak often this upcoming year, but since Thuram signed, and Giuly looks a good bet to as well, then why not Claude. I give it a 1-100 chance, but you never know.

Nice is being linked with RC Lens Aruna Dindane as a replacement for Baky Kone. If Dindane could stay healthy, this would be a very astute signing, but considering Lens relegation, the bargain bin clear out will have to happen eventually.

Sticking with Lens, Olivier Monterubbio is being eyed by Lorient, in what would be another great addition to an already improved side. I expect Lorient to finish just outside of a European spot, but Christian Gourcuff is doing some excellent work, especially the signing of Gameiro.

With Hilton having moved to Marseille, and Nadir Belhadj looking like he ill leave for the EPL, Verdan Runje is being conveted by Lille, who are in need of a goal keeper. They are also heavily linked with Anti Niemi of Fulham, who curriosly is being linked to Juventus of all places.

Stephen Lichsteiner’s proposed transfer to PSG may be hijacked by Lazio, as the interest in the Swiss defender slowly increases.

Yoann Demont is being pursued by Valenciennes, who is also putting together a solid, if unspectaular team.

Stepeh Sessegnon has been unveiled by PSG, but Marko Basa has yet to sign for the Parisiens.

Monaco is being linked with former Lyon and current Juventus bust Tiago. No word on whether Monaco will firm up their interest in Freddy Adu.

Nicolas Marin is interesting Martin O’Neil of Aston Villa, while Good Ole’ arry likes Jeremy Menez and may submit a bid this week.

Achille Emana may finally move to Real Betis this week, while Salim Arrache will be disguarded by Marseille to Grenoble.

Seb Squillaci should complete his move to Sevilla today, who also are interest in Stephane M’Bia, which means a move for Oscar Ewolo may take place, but also leaves the door open to Lyon moving for John Mensah, with Rennes expecting to look outside France for a new center back. Chain of events or numerous random occurences?

And finally, Jimmy Briand, much like Baky Kone, is in dispute with his club over a proposed move to PSG, with Rennes wanting more money then offered or a move outside of France. This one will probably go down to the wire, but the talented hitman will hope to move somewhere he can further cement a place with Les Blues.

Phewww, I am out of breath. Let me know what you think of all these moves.