Brighton and Hove Albion fans may be praying Yves Bissouma is still strutting his stuff on the South Coast come 1 February but, across the Channel, the feeling is somewhat different.
With Lille in dire straits off the field despite their impressive performances on it, the prospect of Bissouma joining a bonafide European giant during the January transfer window represents a glint of light at the end of a dark monetary tunnel.
A resale clause in the midfielder’s contract means Lille would be due a substantial cash windall if Bissouma joins, say, an Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United or Real Madrid in a £25 million deal this month (But Football Club).
That would not only help to keep the wolf from Lille’s door, it would also allow the Ligue 1 pace-setters to resist offers for their own midfield maestro.
While some reports appear to have jumped the gun when suggesting a deal to take Renato Sanches from Lille to Liverpool was done, the Portugal international is a realistic option for Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions (Le10 Sport).
Sanches has rebuilt his once-glittering reputation in France after miserable spells at Bayern Munich and Swansea City. And, with Gini Wijnaldum’s contract expiring in a matter of months, 2016’s ‘Golden Boy’ has been lined up as heir apparent to Jurgen Klopp’s all-action Netherlands international.
Le10 Sport adds Klopp is a big admirer of Sanches and, no wonder, given he possesses that blend of technique and tenacity the Liverpool boss demands in a central midfielder.
But Football Club, however, believes Sanches’ future is tied to that of Bissouma’s.
Essentially, if Bissouma leaves Brighton and boosts Lille’s coffers as a result, Les Dogues will be under no immediate pressure to cash in on Sanches.
Arsenal are one of many clubs on Bissouma’s tail, with Mikel Arteta a keen admirer of one of the Premier League’s most improved players (talkSPORT).
And, if Liverpool want to get Wijnaldum’s successor in place before the end of the month, Klopp will be praying Arsenal’s interest goes no further.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
