Wednesday, 4th May, 2011 


Reports from France suggest that Gervinho has refused to renew his contract with Lille. The Ivory Coast striker, who has been linked with Premier League trio Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool, is keen to experience a new challenge and is thought to have blocked talks over a new contract.

The 23-year-old’s refusal to renew his present deal will send a clear signal to Lille that they must cash in on their talented forward or risk his value being diminished. 

Les Dogues had hoped a Ligue 1 title win and Champions League football would be enough to persuade Gervinho to ink a new contract with the northern France side. However, it looks certain the Ivory Coast international, who has turned out with Lille since 2009, is ready for a fresh challenge.

Gervinho is believed to be keen to join a side that will be involved in European competition next season if he does leave Lille this summer, and this would appear to place Liverpool in the driving seat as the Reds look a good bet for Europa League qualification. 

The news is sure to have been noted by a whole host of other teams though as Lyon, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and even Arsenal have, at some point in the past, been linked with the player.



 

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