Tidings from La Gaillette

I am back after a week of travels and much has happened since. Lens’ 2-1 victory over Grenoble thanks to goals by Eduardo and Razak Boukari still has many fans buzzing. The match confirmed Boukari’s rising star as he wreaked havoc all over the pitch for the third straight match.

On to the news……

President Gervais Martel reminds us, “this is the last week of the summer transfer period. My phone rings a lot. There are clubs who are inquiring about our players. Its a straight line to the finish. It will be difficult as the weekend arrives. For now, there is nothing new to announce. Players have been contacted.”

Despite a recent offer from Fulham, Aruna Dindane seems set to commit for three years (plus a one year option) to Portsmouth (transfer fee estimated at 4.5 million euros) contrary to what President Martel had indicated at the end of last week. The Lens star was in England yesterday and has passed a medical. The transfer could be formalized by today according to La Voix du Nord, or in two or three days according to L’Equipe.

As Hamed Namouchi is currently without a contract. The Tunisian International midfielder, who played for Cannes, Glasgow Rangers and Lorient therefore has attracted the interest of the Lensois. “I have signed no contract at present. I am free and still on the market. ” In France, the player has attracted the attention of several sides. At present, I am in contact with Coach Bazdarevic at Grenoble. I’m not the only one to decide, I expect to see some developments soon. Lens is also an option. I had a discussion with a member of their recruiting staff. He is still looking for a midfielder, I could be the person they need. Steaua Bucharest, Birmingham and Portsmouth are also in the running.”

“If the first three matches allow for any definitive projections, they have at least aroused the interest to reassure fans on a few points,” writes Philippe Lefebvre in the columns of La Voix du Nord. The journalist notes in particular the ability of Lens having a chance to win all their matches to date, the club’s offensive realism, the contribution from midfielder Dejan Milovanovic and on set-pieces and the solidarity shown by Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme’s men.

Vedran Runje has been called up to the Croatia squad for the World Cup Qualifiers. The call will include a match against Belarus on September 5 followed by a trip to England four days later. This could open the way for the highly touted Tunisian international Hamdi Kasraoui to dislodge Runje from his post. Kasraoui, who arrived with much fanfare over the Summer from Esperance in Tunisia may finally get to show his wares in Ligue 1.

The draw for the knockout stages of the League Cup will take place Monday, August 31 at noon. The matches will be played on Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday 23. Along with fifteen other clubs in Ligue 1, Lens will also enter the competition at this time.

Ivory Coast International Kanga Akalé remains relegated to playing with the reserves. Several clubs have contacted Lens regarding the player but a contract has yet to materialize. Mali International Sidi Keita was awaiting a transfer to Xerez in Spain’s La Liga when he suffered a leg injury during a workout. However, a deal may yet be concluded this week.

More to come.

This has been Tidings from La Gaillette…….

Category: Tidings from la Gaillette

Tags: gervais martel, hamdi kasraoui, hamed namouchi, jean guy wallemme, kanga akale, l'actualité (Matches and More), racing club de lens, Razak Boukari, sidi keita, Tidings from la Gaillette, transfers, vedran runje

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