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Boumsong and Kapo could stay

JEAN-ALAIN BOUMSONG is happy to sit out the remaining year on his Auxerre contract, despite receiving offers from Liverpool and Marseille.

The imposing defender had been expected to complete a move away from the club but, like Olivier Kapo's situation, no deal has been forthcoming.

"For the moment, I am at Auxerre," he told L'Equipe.

"I resume with Auxerre. I am 100 percent an Auxerre player.

"There are still contacts with clubs, but there wasn't agreement on all parts.

"In ten days, I will definitely be an Auxerre player for the season. In my mind, I start to succeed a full season here."

Boumsong played down suggestions that his wage demands have ensured a new contract cannot be agreed, and admits speaking to both Marseille's Alain Perrin and Liverpool chief Gerard Houllier.

"My demands are even inferior to what I asked one or two seasons ago, when I wasn't an international yet," he affirmed.

"I had them (Perrin and Houllier) on phone calls and their talks were clear.

"I appreciated that.

"They had strong willing. Now I am not alone in taking a decision.

"And there are other trails abroad, less serious than Marseille and Liverpool.

"Some weeks ago, we had a talk with Guy Roux about my situation.

"He wants me to stay, it is obvious, and it is important for me.

"If I leave, he will give me his opinion for my good."

Kapo, meanwhile, is due to rejoin his team-mates for pre-season training.

"He is transferable until the start of Le Championnat," confirmed Roux.

"He could eventually leave us in the coming days.

"But, as soon as the season will have started, no more question of a transfer.

"I keep the same crew until the end of the campaign."

Philippe Mexes and Barcelona target Djibril Cisse will both stay, according to the veteran coach.

"For the other players, everything is settled," added Roux.

"Of course, in football, everything is still possible.

"For example, I could die next week. But for that, they will play at AJA."