Tug of war: Yohan Benalouane (left) is reportedly now subject to interest from Celtic, as well as Rangers. Pic: ©Reuters
St Etienne defender Yohan Benalouane is said to be a target for both Rangers and Celtic. According to reports in France, Neil Lennon’s side have made enquiries about the prospect of signing the 23-year-old, following on from claims their Glasgow rivals had expressed an interest in the player.
Benalouane, who is available for around £2 million from the Ligue 1 club, has just 12 months left to run on his current contract. Les Verts are said to be keen to sell, already lining up moves for Hertha Berlin’s free agent Steve Von Bergen and Sedan’s Paul Baysse.
Although no firm offer has been made by either club, sources close to the player claimed in Friday’s edition of France Football both had made initial efforts to determine Benalouane’s availability.
St Etienne sporting director Damien Comolli insisted earlier this week there was also interest from a club in the English Premier League in Benalouane. Yesterday, the former Tottenham Hotspur director of football said he was yet to hear from Rangers over their proposed bid.
Christophe Galtier, St Etienne’s head coach, confirmed via his club’s official website that the defender sees his future elsewhere but would not be posted missing if his transfer didn’t happen.
“Benalouane has expressed his desire to leave,” said Galtier. “We are waiting for firm proposals but he is still in good spirits. If he has to stay, he has shown the desire to win his place.”
Walter Smith confirmed his interest from Rangers’ Australian training base last weekend, saying Benalouane was one of a number of players he was looking at. “I’m aware of Benalouane,” he told the Herald. “We are working flat out to sign players and he has been brought to our attention. He is a good young player.”
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has already stated he is in the market for a new central defender, pursuing Sol Campbell, who joined Newcastle United instead, and Nottingham Forest’s Kelvin Wilson.
