Saturday, 26th January, 2013
Bastia president Pierre-Marie Geronimi has explained that in-demand midfielder Florian Thauvin will be remaining at the club until the end of the current campaign.
The 19-year-old has been the subject of interest from Arsenal, Lille and Newcastle during the winter window, with only one concrete offer landing, Geronimi has insisted, with that coming from the Magpies.
But Newcastle’s bid was refused and Bastia want to keep hold of Thauvin until at least the summer.
"Florian Thauvin was the subject of one firm bid from the English club Newcastle, of €3M, which we refused", the Bastia supremo explained to France Bleu.
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However, it does seem the 19-year-old will be leaving during the summer, with Geronimi conceding that Thauvin does not want to extend a contract which expires in 2014.
"He does not wish to extend his contract with Bastia", said the president.
There is set to be a transfer scramble for Thauvin during the summer, but Bastia want the Orleans-born schemer to help them to steer well clear of relegation trouble during the current campaign first.
Thauvin has made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
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