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Nantes facing winter exodus

NANTES face the prospect of losing goalkeeper Mickael Landreau and Sylvain Armand when the winter transfer window opens in January.

Club captain, and goalkeeper, Landreau has had a troubled season so far with The Canaries after several high-profile spats with club officials.

The talented glovesman has signed a contract until 2006 but is believed to have a release clause should any club come in with a bid of ‚é¼6 million (£3.8 million).

Deportivo La Coruna and Arsenal are thought to be the two clubs interested in Landreau, who impressed in his latest display against PSG with many spies watching in the stands.

"Indeed, there are rumours that stated great clubs are interested in Micka," said Nantes director of football Robert Budzynski. "But for the moment we just have those rumours that come from Spain and England."

Nantes chairman Jean-Luc Gripond confirmed that Depor are interested in the 23-year-old, and had learned of Arsenal's interest through an agent checking on Sylvain Armand for Manchester United.

"We know La Coruna's intentions, but we were not contacted by Arsenal," said Gripond.

"Some days ago at Guingamp, I met an agent who is working for Manchester United (interested by full back Sylvain Armand).

"He confirmed to me that Arsenal have been keeping an eye on Landreau."

Gripond is loathed to lose Landreau in the winter, even saying that he hoped interest in Armand from Manchester United, or another club, resulted in the defender leaving La Beaujoire instead.

"It annoys me to lose my skipper and my keeper in the middle of the season. I would prefer Armand to leave, because we already have his successor."