Lyon are braced for the exit of Sidney Govou, despite a move to La Liga falling through.
Lyon are still bracing themselves for the possible exit of Sidney Govou, despite the France international's proposed switch to La Liga hitting the buffers.
Govou was in contention for a move to Valencia, but the Mestalla outfit's interest appears to have waned following their club record capture of Joaquin from Real Betis.
Interestingly, Betis were also mooted admirers of Govou, and were willing to offer a part-exchange deal to Lyon for Joaquin.
However, the Spain international's determination to sign for The Che appears to have scuppered Govou's own hopes of a switch before the transfer deadline on August 31.
With a move away from the Ligue 1 champions seeming increasingly unlikely, there have been suggestions in the French media that Govou could be offered a contract extension at Stade de Gerland.
But Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas insists the club are still prepared for all eventualities.
"We are acting as if he will go," reiterated Aulas.
Premiership duo Portsmouth and Aston Villa have been reported as monitoring the 27-year-old's availability.
Meanwhile, Lyon and Auxerre are continuing to haggle over a fee for wantaway midfielder Benoit Pedretti.
Pedretti, who believes his first team opportunities have been limited by the arrival of Alou Diarra, is keen on a switch to Auxerre.
However, Auxerre's offer is still believed to fall short of Lyon's valuation of the player.
