A look at five stars from Ligue 1 who could be heading to the Premier League in January.
Yoan Gouffran - Bordeaux
Gouffran was
linked with a summer move to England and interest in the forward is only likely to have increased following an impressive start to the current campaign. After netting 14 goals last season, the 26-year-old has shown signs of progress having scored seven goals for Bordeaux this term. With Gouffran
having expressed a willingness to try his luck in the Premier League and a contract that is coming to an end, it seems that a move across the channel could be imminent.
Sky Sports' French expert Patrick Haond says: "Gouffran is believed to dream about the Premier League and several English clubs have their eye on him. If a good offer comes in then Bordeaux will not be able to refuse for a player under contract until June 2013."
| Ligue 1 goals 2012/13 |
|
|
| Player Name |
Team |
Goals |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
PSG |
17 |
| Bafetimbi Gomis |
Lyon |
10 |
| Dario Cvitanich |
Nice |
9 |
| Wissam Ben Yedder |
Toulouse |
8 |
| YOAN GOUFFRAN |
BORDEAUX |
7 |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang |
Saint Etienne |
7 |
| Anthony Modeste |
Bastia |
7 |
| Jeremie Aliadiere |
Lorient |
7 |
|
Yoann Gourcuff - Lyon
Gourcuff looked set for superstardom when he took his place among AC Milan's iconic midfield at the age of just 20 but it has been a stop-start career for the France international ever since. A return to Ligue 1 with Bordeaux in 2008 brought a return to form but life at Lyon has proven tough.
Now 26, it could be time for Gourcuff to seek a new challenge in the hope of finally fulfilling his vast potential. Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted he
would be willing to listen to offers for the player and a Premier League move might be of interest.
Sky Sports' French expert Patrick Haond says: "The playmaker has been unable to match expectations since his 2010 transfer from Bordeaux, and Lyon officials could be keen on a transfer if they receive a good offer. Arsène Wenger reportedly remains an admirer of the 26-year-old even though Lyon refused a loan last summer."
Loïc Rémy - Marseille
The Marseille forward was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and, despite having a contract with the Ligue 1 club until 2015, reports of a move north refuse to go away. While Marseille
insist they have no plans to sell, Newcastle are
believed to retain a long-standing interest in the player and could be joined by other Premier League suitors in January.
Sky Sports' French expert Patrick Haond says: "Remy is under contract until 2015 but it seems OM officials could accept any good offer in January. After Tottenham last summer and QPR a couple of months ago, it seems Everton are the latest English side keen to sign the forward."
Mamadou Sakho - PSG
The former Paris St Germain captain remains a highly-rated talent but has become unsettled at the Qatari-backed club following a year of change at Parc des Princes. The 22-year-old
considered a summer exit and was a target for Newcastle back then but any exit could prove tricky with Carlo Ancelotti recently
insisting the defender will not be leaving.
Sky Sports' French expert Patrick Haond says: "The France international is regularly substituted at PSG and could be tempted by a good opportunity. There are growing rumours that Manchester City could be a candidate, while Arsène Wenger has been following the player for years."
| Ligue 1 pass success 2012/13 |
|
|
| Player Name |
Team |
Pass success |
| Nicola N'Koulou |
Marseille |
93.0% |
| Marko Basa |
Lille |
92.4% |
| Steeve Yago |
Toulouse |
91.9% |
| Clement Chantome |
PSG |
91.9% |
| Alex |
PSG |
91.7% |
| MAMADOU SAKHO |
PSG |
90.7% |
|
Moussa Sissoko - Toulouse
Sissoko is just the sort of multi-faceted midfield talent who could make an easy transition to life in the Premier League and has caught the eye of clubs in England. The player himself claims that he is
unsure of his future but has acknowledged the
reports of interest from Newcastle and admits he is flattered by the talk.
Sky Sports' French expert Patrick Haond says: "The versatile midfielder is in great form and, being a free agent next summer, both club and player could be tempted by a good offer. Even though Toulouse chairman Olivier Sadran is always very demanding about the transfer fee, it is rumoured Newcastle are among the admirers of the 23-year-old."
