Yohan Benalouane

**HamiltonBhoy** · 30-07-2010, 01:12 PM

"Celtic join race for R*ngers target Benalouane - France Football claim St Etienne defender Yohan Benalouane is now wanted by both R*ngers and Celtic."

St Etienne defender Yohan Benalouane is said to be a target for both R*ngers and Celtic. According to reports in France, Neil Lennon’s side have made enquiries about the prospect of signing the 23-year-old, following on from claims their Glasgow rivals had expressed an interest in the player.

Benalouane, who is available for around £2 million from the Ligue 1 club, has just 12 months left to run on his current contract. Les Verts are said to be keen to sell, already lining up moves for Hertha Berlin’s free agent Steve Von Bergen and Sedan’s Paul Baysse.

Although no firm offer has been made by either club, sources close to the player claimed in Friday’s edition of France Football both had made initial efforts to determine Benalouane’s availability.

St Etienne sporting director Damien Comolli insisted earlier this week there was also interest from a club in the English Premier League in Benalouane. Yesterday, the former Tottenham Hotspur director of football said he was yet to hear from R*ngers over their proposed bid.

Christophe Galtier, St Etienne’s head coach, confirmed via his club’s official website that the defender sees his future elsewhere but would not be posted missing if his transfer didn’t happen.

“Benalouane has expressed his desire to leave,” said Galtier. “We are waiting for firm proposals but he is still in good spirits. If he has to stay, he has shown the desire to win his place.”

Walter Smith confirmed his interest from R*ngers’ Australian training base last weekend, saying Benalouane was one of a number of players he was looking at. “I’m aware of Benalouane,” he told the Herald. “We are working flat out to sign players and he has been brought to our attention. He is a good young player.”

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has already stated he is in the market for a new central defender, pursuing Sol Campbell, who joined Newcastle United instead, and Nottingham Forest’s Kelvin Wilson.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottis...ouane-reports/

**Squire** · 30-07-2010, 01:59 PM

I was hoping this would start doing the rounds, firstly because he looks a good solid defender, and secondly because the huns know they've no chance of outbidding us if it came to it. It would be fuckin hillarious

**HamiltonBhoy** · 30-07-2010, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Squire

I was hoping this would start doing the rounds, firstly because he looks a good solid defender, and secondly because the huns know they've no chance of outbidding us if it came to it. It would be fuckin hillarious

Aye plus the huns always sign good defenders... If his value can soar like Bougherra, Boumsong or Cuellar then the board will have a field day aswell.

**Squire** · 30-07-2010, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by HamiltonBhoy

Aye plus the huns always sign good defenders... If his value can soar like Bougherra, Boumsong or Cuellar then the board will have a field day aswell.

Very good point mate