Lyon losing interest in Lisandro

French club eyeing alternatives

FC Porto's Lisandro Lopez may find himself the same place he did the last four seasons as the Portuguese champions are unwilling to budge from their 20m euros asking price, forcing suitors Lyon to look for a striker elsewhere.

The Argentinean has been the subject of intense speculation with a move to Ligue 1 in the cards as Lyon have been public admirers of the 26-year-old's talent. But prolonged negotiations between the two clubs have made it difficult for the French side to land their man.

Despite having admitted to making an offer for Lopez, Lyon also did claim that they were not going to remotely match Porto's asking price for the player.

Porto have opted to remain bullish and have not wavered form their stance, probably moreso now as a bid has been accpeted from Marseille for Lucho Gonzalez, all of which has frustrated Lopez's agent Fernando Hidalgo.

The FIFA representative was sure that he would see his client join the seven-time French champions, but intimated to Maisfutebol that he feels that a possible deal may have fallen through.

"What is happening with Lisandro? Ask FC Porto," bemoaned Hidalgo.

Porto sounds out Renard

Helton's days with FC Porto appear to be numbered as the club have approached KV Mechelen's Olivier Renard.

The Brazilian goalkeeper is on the way out after the club acquired Beto from Leixoes and is believed to be heading to Russia's CSKA Moscow.   

The 30-year-0ld Bekgian is expected to be Beto's back-up and has confirmed to ABola that the Dragoes did ask about his availability.

"I was surprised when someone called me in FC Porto's name. They wanted to know what my conditions were, but I told them to speak to my representative."

"I have a contract (with Mechelen), but we are talking about FC Porto and that would place me on the right path."

Should Porto land Renard, this would not be his first adventure outside of Belgium as the player has also had spells with Udniese, Modena and Naploi, not to mention stints with Charleroi and Standard Liege as well.  

by Marco Pereira