Roux targets Malouda

Roux has built an ambitious young team at Stade Abbe-Deschamps and is desperate to keep the squad together to develop into genuine title challengers next season.

Malouda has caught his eye playing for Guingamp and the 21-year-old midfielder could soon be on his way to Auxerre.

Guingamp have the youngster under contract at the club until 2004 but he would be keen to join Roux's young side and Auxerre can afford to prise him away from Municipal de Roudourou.

New Guingamp boss Bertrand Marchand seems resigned to losing Malouda but is looking to cover his loss with a double swoop on Rennes.

Marchand has eyed up Yoann Bigne and Gael Danic as his first signings in charge and is confident he can lure the pair away from Route de Lorient.