Matuidi in talks over extended deal
St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi is in talks with the Ligue 1 club over a new contract, according to reports in France.
The 22-year-old has made more than 60 appearances in all competitions for the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard outfit since arriving from Troyes in 2007, and earned caps at both French U19 and U21 level, making 24 outings for the latter.
As a result, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were all linked with moves for the midfield enforcer during the close-season.
St Etienne sporting director Damien Comolli had admitted earlier this summer that although the club were loathed to let Matuidi go, they may have no choice should a big club make a move for his services.
And the former Gunners scout and Spurs director of football has again conceded that St Etienne's captain will eventually move on to bigger and better things, but only for a very large fee should he agree to extend his contract.
"We never wanted to sell him, he is our captain and a major player for us. He's done well for us last season but we convinced him to stay," he said.
"But I'm not being naive, I know it will be difficult to keep him and know he will end up in England or one of the top clubs in Europe. Whoever comes for him, it will cost them a lot of money."
According to L'Equipe, the club are in talks with Matuidi over a new deal that would tie to him to the French side until summer 2013.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
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.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw