Lille coach Rudi Garcia has insisted that in-demand right back Mathieu Debuchy will not be allowed to leave the club until a replacement has been found.

 

Debuchy has been the subject of bids from English Premier League side Newcastle United and Italian giants Inter already this summer – and the player is keen to take the next step in his career.

 

But Garcia does not want to let the 26-year-old move on without identifying and signing an adequate replacement, who is at least as good as Debuchy.

 

"Mathieu is one of my leaders and he sets an example for others to follow", Garcia told French radio station RMC.

 

"I understand his desire to go, but we must find a successor.

 

"My job is not to put the team in any danger. Mathieu wants to leave, but he will not leave until we have found a replacement who is at the same level as he is."

 

Lille are thought to be looking for around €10M for Debuchy when the time comes to sell the France international.

 

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