Promising goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has completed his move to Lyon from Ligue 1 rivals Nice.
Keeper set to step into Coupet's boots
Promising goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has completed his move to Lyon from Ligue 1 rivals Nice.
The French U21 international has completed an 8.5million euros (£6.7m) switch, signing a five-year contract at Stade Gerland.
Lyon had made the capture of Lloris their top priority this summer following the news that club stalwart Gregory Coupet will be leaving during the close season.
Lloris rejected the opportunity to join Italian giants Milan in order to remain in his homeland and has already expressed his delight at joining a club capable of challenging for both domestic and European honours.
Having finally secured the services of the 21-year-old keeper, Lyon will also welcome the news that Juninho is keen to see out his contract with the club.
Desire
Having endured a difficult 2007/08 campaign there had been suggestions that the Brazilian midfielder would leave France during the summer.
However, after a trophy-laden seven-year spell in Ligue 1, the club captain has signalled his intention to play out the remaining two years of his current deal.
"I want this adventure to carry on," Juninho told
France Football.
"If I feel that I am still important to the coach, then I will stay. Otherwise, I will leave.
"Should I be forced into leaving then I will move to America or United Arab Emirates. My agent has already received a few offers.
"But I have two years left on my contract and I still have support from the fans, so that gives me the desire to carry on playing at Lyon."
Pjanic deal
Despite Juninho's decision to remain at Stade Gerland, Lyon have wasted no time in lining up his replacement by securing the signature of Miralem Pjanic.
The Bosnian playmaker has agreed a transfer thought to be in the region of 8million euros (£6.3m).
The talented teenager suffered relegation with Metz last season, but is looking forward to testing himself at the opposite end of the table next term.
"Lyon is a very ambitious and professional club," he said.
