Nice defender Sammy Traore has finally completed him move to Paris Saint Germain.
Nice defender Sammy Traore has finally completed his drawn-out transfer to Paris Saint Germain.The Mali international's move to the Parc des Princes had looked like it was going to fall through as Nice made maximum effort to keep Traore at the club.
However, after the latest discussions, the two clubs finally reached an agreement to allow the 30-year-old to move on.
"The negotiations lasted a long time, I was even scared that the transfer could be cancelled," Traore told PSG's official website.
"Nice really wanted to keep me but finally I am happy. I didn't want to leave OGC Nice on bad terms, my relationship has always been excellent with my partners and the directors.
"If Paris Saint Germain fans think I am not an important signing, I will show them they are wrong."
Strasbourg captain Cedric Kante could be set to replace Traore at the Municipal du Ray after confirming his intentions to quit the relegated French outfit.
Kante has two years remaining on his current deal with Strasbourg but could be soon following Lens new boy Sidi Keita back to Ligue 1.
"I will meet with Strasbourg chairman Philippe Ginestet on Wednesday to tell him I don't want to play in Ligue 2, and that I don't have my mind at Strasbourg anymore," the 26-year-old said.
"I hope he will listen to me."
Meanwhile, St Etienne are lining up two swap deals with fellow Ligue 1 clubs.
Paris Saint Germain are hopeful of signing David Hellebuyck in a deal that would take unsettled midfielder Christophe Landrin to Les Verts, while Peguy Luyindula could also move to the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard from Marseille in exchange for Julien Sable.
Another player set for St Etienne is Boca Juniors star Daniel Bilos, with a switch close to completion.
The midfielder is expected to put pen-to-paper on his move to France in the coming days after a hugely successful time with the Buenos Aires club.
"He is an interesting player. I was expecting him to sign on Wednesday but it seems complicated," Les Verts coach Ivan Hasek told Le Progres.
"We have found an agreement for the terms of the contract with the club, not with the player.
"I know this player very well. He has played for Boca for two years, so has many qualities. He has won everything with the club.
"He is a defensive midfielder but can also play in attack."
