Bordeaux admit Silvestre defeat

President says it was 'impossible' to sign defender

By James Dall   Last updated: 24th June 2008

Mikael Silvestre Manchester United

Silvestre: Not Bordeaux-bound

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Bordeaux have conceded that they have failed in their bid to sign Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre.

Silvestre has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Bordeaux and Serie A side Roma reported to be interested.

Les Girondins president Jean-Louis Triaud has confirmed that the 30-year-old was a top transfer target of manager Laurent Blanc, but admitted that the club have failed to lure Silvestre to Stade Chaban-Delmas.

"There are several targets for the left-back role," Triaud told French radio station RMC. "In that position, above all there was one who was his (Blanc's) first choice and that proved to be impossible.

"Yes, I think the possibility of Mikael Silvestre coming here has ended. He has a salary at Manchester United that he has no reason to forego.

"Moreover, after 10 years at that club, there is a tradition that a friendly match is organised for the benefit of the footballer - with the revenue going to him."