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West Ham United and Newcastle are allegedly keen on Gaetan Laborde but Montpellier teammate Teji Savanier is desperate to see the striker stay in Ligue 1, as he told Midi Libre, via Allez Pallaide.
Fortunately for Savanier, it seems the in-form centre-forward has no intention of walking away from the Stade de la Mosson before the February 1 transfer deadline.
West Ham failed with a loan bid for the £16 million-rated Laborde last week, according to the Standard, while Newcastle are yet to turn their initial interest into something more tangible (L’Equipe).
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Furthermore, Laborde himself poured cold water on the speculation, insisting that he would only leave Montpellier for something rather special (Midi Libre).
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That would have been music to the ears of Savanier; the waltzing play-maker who has provided so much ammunition for Laborde during his time on the Mediterranean.
“We often laugh about it (a move). But it will be his choice. We need him. We have the best strike-partnership in Ligue 1 with Andy (Delort) and him,” Savanier said.
“It would p*** me off if he left.”
Savanier, it seems, speaks for each and every Montpellier fan when discussing the future of a striker who has produced 14 goals and assists in 21 Ligue 1 matches in 2020/21.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were linked via Eurosport but have now signed Willian Jose from Real Sociedad instead.
In other news, Arsenal almost axed Joe Willock - and wouldn't have got anything for him