Gervinho eyes move to England
Ivory Coast forward Gervinho has admitted he would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League at some stage, following speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.
The 23-year-old only joined Lille last summer but is believed to have won admirers for his performances in Ligue 1 and for his country at the World Cup in South Africa, with reports tipping him to join one of a host of top European sides, including the Reds.
But, while the Ivorian remains under contract with the French outfit for another two-years, he is contemplating a future in the Premier League with new Liverpool Roy Hodgson thought to be keen to bring the forward to Anfield.
"I don't want to leave in a rush. But I want to play and blossom. I need a club that is more ambitious than Lille," Gervinho told France Football magazine. "We could think about a departure, above all to England.
"Nowadays it is the place to go for any footballer. Either on a long-term or short-term deal, I dream about it.
"I know I am still under contract at Lille, and the atmosphere is wonderful there, but a footballer always has to aim higher."
His coach at Lille, Rudi Garcia, says he has yet to receive a single enquiry for the African and that any potential move would be a major blow to his team.
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"No offer has been received," Garcia said. "Anyway, with or without him you don't have the same team."
Liverpool boss Hodgson has been linked with a string of forwards ahead of new season as the Merseysiders attempt to bounce back from a dismal 2009/10 campaign.
Star striker Fernando Torres has been tipped to depart Anfield for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, while David Ngog is reportedly a target for West Bromwich Albion.
However, Hodgson revealed on Friday that he had met with Torres, and that he was not for sale at any price.
By James Martini
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.
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