PSG fail in double swoop

Briand desperate for move; Bodmer not for sale

By Patrick Haond & Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 5th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

PSG fail in double swoop

Le Guen: Transfer snubs

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Paris St Germain have failed to lure striker Jimmy Briand and midfielder Mathieu Bodmer because their coaches will not let them leave.

Rennes forward Briand is desperate for a move to the team he has loved since he was a child, but has blasted coach Pierre Dreossi for not letting him talk with the French giants.

The 22-year-old is under contract in Brittany until 2010 but PSG have made no secret that they admire the hot prospect - reportedly tabling a €7million (£5.5million) bid.

However, Briand is upset that Rennes officials reportedly snubbed the offer and will not budge from their rumoured €12million (£9.5million) asking price.

Useless

"Everyone knows I love PSG, it is the choice of my heart. Coach Paul Le Guen really wants me," he told L'Equipe.

"I hate people who lie to me. Pierre Dreossi told me right in the eyes he will open a door at the end of last season.

"Today he says the door is locked, I can't stand it.

"It is useless for Rennes to put my name on a Rennes shirt, I won't wear it."

Scuppered

Meanwhile, Lyon boss Claude Puel has scuppered a possible transfer for Mathieu Bodmer, slamming PSG's reported €8.5million (£6.7million) approach for the versatile midfielder.

"Mathieu is at the club for just one year, so he still has time to spend here. He will have time to join PSG later," Puel said.

"I am very surprised by the way the PSG officials acted, they have contacted every player in France!"

Also in Ligue 1, with Sebastien Squillaci reportedly set to leave Lyon for Spanish side Sevilla, it is claimed Rennes' John Mensah could be a replacement for Puel - with the centre-back rated at €1million (£800,000).