Belhanda hints at stay

Moroccan midfielder plays down speculation regarding summer exit

By Patrick Haond.   Last Updated: February 21, 2012 2:49pm

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Younes Belhanda: Admits Champions League qualification could keep him at Montpellier

Sky Bet

Younes Belhanda has offered Montpellier hope in their efforts to keep the highly-rated midfielder past the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is believed to be attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with his potential having been spotted by scouts at leading clubs across Europe.

Belhanda has been part of the first-team set-up at Montpellier since 2009 and is already an established Morocco international.

It was expected to be only a matter of time before he departed for pastures new, with French clubs finding it increasingly difficult to retain the services of their most prized assets.

Belhanda has, however, stated that a summer departure is by no means guaranteed.

With Montpellier currently battling Paris St Germain for the Ligue 1 title, he says qualification for the UEFA Champions League could convince him to stay.

"Every player wants to play in the Champions League," he told L'Equipe TV.

"If we are lucky enough to play in that competition at Montpellier, I believe I will be part of that."