Thursday, 7th November, 2013
Montpellier president Louis Nicollin has made a U-turn from his policy of not selling Manchester United target Remy Cabella, after claiming that a €17m bid could force a look-in.
Nicollin had been adamant last month that Cabella was not for sale – "When we say we do not sell, we do not sell!" – even as the midfielder is not a popular figure among fans.
Cabella is contracted at Montpellier until 2016 and had been linked with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Montpellier coach Jean Fernandez said last month that €18m would be a the benchmark for Cabella, which seems to have come down now, but Nicollin insisted no move was possible in January.
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"If we are given €17m we'll see", Nicollin told French outlet Midi Libre. "Anyway, we have a deal with him for him to leave in June, not in January."
Cabella has been at Montpellier since 2011, and despite the alleged unpopularity, has made 11 Ligue 1 appearances this season with four goals.
Fernandez is well aware of Cabella's talents, which helped Montpellier clinch the 2011/12 league title, and he had said previously: "He's an intelligent boy who has started really well this season.
"Now, if during the winter transfer window, Manchester offers €18m as I've read, he will have to leave."
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