Samba stopper set for Rennes

Rennes are reportedly closing in on the signing of Brazilian defender Gustavo.

The 22-year-old played on loan for Treviso from Udinese last season, but is a free agent this summer after seeing his contract expire.

New Rennes boss Pierre Dreossi is now believed to be negotiating the arrival of the South American stopper.

However, with John Mensah and Gregory Bourillon both looking likely to start Gustavo may be restricted to a substitute's role at first.

Defensive reinforcements may be required at Stade de la Route-de-Lorient as rumours are linking Juventus with Jacques Faty.

The defender has attracted the attention of the demoted outfit as new boss Didier Deschamps is well aware of his quality, and the 22-year-old has failed to agree a new contract with Rennes.

Faty could be reunited with brother Ricardo in Italy as he has already moved to Serie A with Roma.

Meanwhile, Andreas Isaksson's potential move to England continues to progress, with reports indicating that a ‚é¼3 million (£2 million) bid will be enough for either Manchester City or Charlton Athletic to sign the Swedish international.

City officials are believed to be meeting with their Rennes counterparts on Tuesday in order to line-up a replacement for David James should he move to Portsmouth.

Isaksson's departure would allow young Rennes keeper Simon Pouplin the chance to impress, but the club are also rumoured to be considering a move for Sparta Prague's Tomas Grigar.