Briand eyes January exit

France Under-21 international Jimmy Briand is considering a move away from Rennes in the transfer window as he looks to gain more first team football.

The pacey striker could be loaned out, although he will not consider any offers from Ligue 2.

"If my future is not at Rennes, it will be elsewhere," the 21-year-old told Ouest-France.

"But for the moment it is Rennes.

"Yes, I am thinking about the transfer window. I will see what happens in the next few weeks.

"I don't want to denigrate Ligue 2, but when you have tasted the highest level, you can't be interested in stepping down.

"I could stay with Rennes until the end of the season - I am under contract until 2009.

"I just want to play. If the situation hasn't changed in June, I will ask to leave."

In contrast, Briand's France Under-21 team-mate Arnold Mvuemba Makengo has declared that he wants to remain with the club and fight for his place.

Manager Pierre Dreossi has told the player that he wants him to gain more experience on loan in Ligue 2, but the midfielder is reluctant to go.

"We have been contacted by Guingamp and Bastia," Dreossi told AFP.

"But Arnold doesn't want to go, so he stays here for the moment."

Meanwhile, defender Jacques Faty has apologised for his outburst against Dreossi after he was refused the opportunity to join Juventus.

The Frenchman is ready to prove his talent on the pitch and to reestablish himself in the starting line-up.

"I am a competitor and I don't like to be on the bench. That is why I said what I did, but I regret it," he told Ouest-France.

"You can't always say what you think.

"I haven't done the right thing with the coach and club.

"I am 22 and I make mistakes, but I learn every day.

"I have learned to control myself when things get bad, to wait and to be more patient.

"Frankly, I consider myself a first-team player and I want to prove it.

"But I know when John Mensah comes back from his injury, he'll regain his place, so I have to be at my best during that period.

"I have been with Rennes for seven years - I have grown up here.

"I love the city. All the doors remain open."