PSG confirm departures
Both Anelka and Distin joined their respective clubs Liverpool and Newcastle on lengthy loan deals this season, and now the French club have revealed that the pair will be sold to finance a major transfer.
Fernandez was speaking about his plans for next season and while quashing the rumours suggesting Ronaldinho was leaving Parc des Princes, he did confirm that the sale of others would finance a 'secret' deal for a new striker who is available on a Bosman transfer.
"Ronaldinho won't leave, contrary to what I have heard," said Fernandez.
"We will keep around 80 percent of the same team for next season." He then confirmed the departures of Anelka, Distin and Peter Luccin - who is on loan at Celta Vigo.
"Anelka feels very well in Liverpool, and the English officials seems keen for a definitive transfer.
"We also will sell Distin and Luccin. With the money we will get, we could buy a great striker.
"All I can tell you is that he is on a free, from a foreign country, and his name has already been heard.
"The negotiation is at a good stage."
The news will be welcomed by Newcastle, who had feared that PSG may price Distin out of a move to Tyneside.
The 24-year-old defender has always stated his preference was to remain in England and now it seems a £3.5 million is in the offing.
Distin had recently questioned his new role of left back, but that is unlikely to get in the way of any deal.
"I'm comfortable at left-back, but it's just not my place," he said.
"I only play there because the manager asks me to. My best position, for sure, is in the middle of the back four.
"I will always try to give 100% whatever job I am asked to do, but I still see my long-term future as a central defender.
"I honestly don't know if I'll still be here next season. I try not to think about it.
"I know that even if I play well then I may not be given a contract at Newcastle or in England but at least I might get propositions from some other clubs.t for me but it's not my choice.
"If other opportunities present themselves then I will have to consider them."
Anelka's transfer may not be a straightforward as the Parisien outfit will demand at least £10 million for the French ace.
However, the former Arsenal man has started to recapture his form and Gerard Houllier is known to be a keen admirer of his talents.
Liverpool do have the finances and a gap for a striker, after the sale of Robbie Fowler to Leeds, and a couple more assured displays from Anelka should secure a summer move to Anfield.
Anelka himself has recently hinted that a move to Merseyside would suit him.
"It's been a long time since I enjoyed myself on the pitch, Liverpool is a fantastic club," he said.
"Here, it's not like it is in Madrid or Paris. You can go out in the street and not be disturbed by people."
