Gourcuff loaned to Bordeaux

Playmaker returns to his homeland

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Gourcuff loaned to Bordeaux

Gourcuff: On the fringes in Italy

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Milan youngster Yoann Gourcuff will spend the 2008/09 season on loan at Bordeaux.

The 21-year-old will return to his homeland in order to experience regular first-team football, something he has been denied since moving to Italy in 2006.

Much was expected of the playmaker after he burst onto the scene as a talented teenager at Rennes, but he has found himself on the fringes of the first-team fold at San Siro.

His return to France will give him the opportunity to experience competitive domestic football, as well as the UEFA Champions League.

Following their second-place finish in the 2007/08 season Laurent Blanc has wasted little time in moulding together a squad capable of challenging in Europe next season, with Caen's Yoan Gouffran another potential summer arrival.

Changes

The French U21 international striker is believed to have already agreed a four-year deal at Stade Chaban Delmas, but the two clubs are yet to settle on a fee.

Bordeaux are thought to have tabled a 5million euros (£3.9m) offer, while Caen are holding out for a figure closer to 8million (£6.3m).

The Ligue 1 side are also keen on bringing Mikael Silvestre back to France, while club chairman Jean-Louis Triaud confirmed that he is not expecting any departures this summer.

"Except the additional left-sided defender we are missing, there should be no other changes," he said.

"We don't need to change a lot and we have received no offers for any of our players.

"As we are not open to discussions on any player, other clubs have decided not to waste their time, and ours."