Govou agrees new deal
The 22-year-old has been attracting interest from several big names across Europe with his performances, but has decided to extend his stay at Stade Gerland until 2008.
With his current deal expiring at the end of next season, Lyon were facing the prospect of either selling him now or losing him for nothing next summer, but will be delighted he has agreed to the deal.
Govou has been in great form as Lyon push for the title and they currently sit just two points behind Lens at the top of Le Championnat.
Lyon coach Jacques Santini has been desperate for Govou to stay, and general manager Bernard Lacombe is equally happy to have secured his services.
"Sidney is a jewel and by extending his contract, we've shown that we're still very ambitious at Lyon," said Lacombe.
Govou's late strike against Auxerre gave them a 1-0 win and kept the pressure on Lens as the race for the title reaches its climax.
Lyon are assured of Champions League football again next season, and Govou will be able to show the skills that have so far attracted interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool and Internazionale, although he is perfectly happy to stay for now.
