07 July 2006

Rangers have completed the signing of French midfielder Jeremy Clement from Lyon.

The 21-year-old, who was handed his professional debut during Paul Le Guen's period as manager at Stade Gerland, has agreed a three-year contract with the Club.

Jeremy, a French under-21 international who made over 30 first-team appearances for Lyon, said: "I am very happy to join Rangers and it is very exciting to play for Paul Le Guen again.

"He gave me my chance at Lyon and I am looking forward to renewing our relationship in Glasgow.

"I know Rangers are a massive club with so many passionate supporters and this is a good chance for me to develop as a player in a different environment."

Paul Le Guen, who has also recruited Czech Republic winger Libor Sionko, Swedish defender Karl Svensson, French goalkeeper Lionel Letizi plus promising young players Antoine Ponroy and William Stanger, added: "I worked with Jeremy at Lyon and he has a lot of quality.

"He is a young player with a lot of skill and his arrival will give us a balance in midfield. I am looking forward to working with him again." Source = Rangers Official Site

07 July 2006

JEREMY CLEMENT knew the second he got on the plane back to France on Wednesday that he'd be buying a return ticket to Glasgow to sign for Rangers.

Clement will arrive back in Scotland this morning to agree a three-year deal with Gers after admitting he was blown away by the facilities at Ibrox and Murray Park during a whistle-stop tour of Glasgow on Tuesday. And while he was sent home by manager Paul Le Guen to mull over the £1.1million switch from Lyon - with PSG, Troyes and St Etienne waiting in the wings - Clement insists there was only ever one choice.

Clement, who will fly out with Rangers on their pre-season tour of South Africa tomorrow, said: "I've made my mind up that I want to come to Scotland to further my career under Paul Le Guen.

"I'll be in Scotland on Friday to sign my contract and start a new and exciting chapter in my life. I really can't wait to be part of Rangers and to experience the thrill of playing in front of their fans.

"They gave me a tour of the stadium, the training ground and Glasgow and I was blown away by it all. If I didn't know how big a club Rangers were before, I do now.

"I was told by Paul Le Guen to go back to France to relax and think things over for a few days but I didn't need that time.My mind was made upby the time I'd left Scotland.

"Everything about it felt right. The manager is someone I know well and trust, as is Yves Colleu.

"I'd never been to Scotland before but guys such as Jean Alain Boumsong told me I'd love the people and they were all right.

"I'm a young man who is about to make a big change in his life. Going abroad to play was never in my dreams - I only ever thought about making it as a professional in French football.

"But with Paul Le Guen and the Scottish people behind me I know it won't take me long to settle into my new life." Source - Daily Record

04 July 2006

Rangers are closing in on the signing of Jeremy Clement after finally agreeing a deal with Lyon.

The Scottish outfit have been chasing Clement for a number of weeks with Paul Le Guen keen to bring in the midfielder, as he continues his reshaping of the squad at Ibrox.

Both clubs had been struggling to agree a deal, but now a compromise has been reached and Clement has travelled to Glasgow for talks.

Lyon general manager Marino Faccioli confirmed that they had accepted Rangers' offer after they came back in with a new bid.

"We spoke to Rangers late on Friday and they put in a new offer for Jeremy," Faccioli told the Daily Record.

"We had further discussions with them and they progressed very well.

"They have followed that up with a written offer and it now looks like this will be acceptable to us. A deal is very close and, depending on how talks go with the player and Rangers, it could go through on Tuesday.

"We wish Jeremy all the best in his future career. It's a new chapter for him and, if he is to go to Scotland, then we hope it all works out well for him."

Clement is delighted to get the go-ahead to finally open talks with Rangers, as he looks to link up with Le Guen again.

"I'm happy that the clubs have agreed a fee for me and now it's up to me to make my mind up on the move," said Clement.

"I'm coming to Scotland to see the stadium, the training ground and a bit of the country before talking things over with the club.

"It's pleasing that a manager like Paul Le Guen wants me so much that he has waited on this transfer, but I won't know exactly what will happen with Rangers until I go to Scotland." Source - Sky Sports

04 July 2006

Jeremy Clement will arrive in Glasgow on Tuesday for talks with Rangers.

New Ibrox manager has Paul Le Guen has made the 21-year-old midfielder a priority target and a fee has been agreed with French champions Lyon.

"Now it is up to me to make my mind up on the move," France U21 international Clement told the Daily Record.

"I'm coming to Scotland to see the stadium, the training ground and a bit of the country before talking things over with the club."

Le Guen's former club Lyon were asking for £2m for Clement but it is understood that a fee of around half that has been settled on after six weeks of negotiations.

"It's pleasing that a manager like Paul Le Guen wants me so much that he has waited for this transfer but I won't know exactly what will happen with Rangers until I go to Scotland," added Clement.

Le Guen is also chasing Brondby striker Johan Elmander, who played for Sweden in the World Cup.

It has been reported that the Danish club are looking for £4m, while Rangers are prepared to offer about £2.5m.

Rangers leave for a pre-season tour of South Africa on 8 July. Source - BBC Sport

03 July 2006

JEREMY CLEMENT was today on his way to Glasgow to undergo a medical and finally sign for Rangers.
Sources at Lyon confirmed that a fee had been agreed with the Ibrox side for the 21-year-old midfielder.
And Clement was given the green-light by the French champions to travel to Scotland with his agent to complete the formalities and talks.

SportTimes revealed back on May 29 that new Gers boss Paul Le Guen had lodged a bid with his old club for the gritty former France Under-21 captain.
Clement has been a priority signing for the Gers gaffer as he views him as the man to partner skipper Barry Ferguson in central midfield.

But talks over a transfer fee have rumbled on for five weeks now. Lyon had put a price tag of £2.1million on the player who has just a year of his contract at Stade Gerland to run.

Rangers had a second bid of just over £1m rejected last week, but a deal has now been struck and Clement should become Le Guen's sixth summer signing within the next 24 hours. Source - Evening Times

30 June 2006

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen would like to sign Brondby striker Johan Elmander and Lyon midfielder Jeremy Clement by the end of next week.

Le Guen had already made his interest in Clement public, and he has now confirmed that Elmander, who played for Sweden in the World Cup, is a target.

Rangers and Lyon have so far failed to agree a fee for Clement.

"I would like to bring Elmander in also, but it is difficult for the same reasons," he told Rangers' website.

It has been reported that Brondby are looking for in the region of £4m for Elmander, while Rangers are prepared to offer about £2.5m.

Lyon are thought to be asking for £2m for Clement, a price Rangers consider to be excessive, so talks continue.

"It is normal to have discussions like these with the club, so we will wait," added Le Guen.

"It would be better to have both players straight away. Elmander played in the World Cup and he is fit and I know Clement is fit too so they would be able to go with the team to South Africa.

"However the most important thing is to pay the right price."

Rangers leave for a pre-season tour of South Africa on 8 July. Source - BBC Sport

24 June 2006

Lyon midfielder Jeremy Clement is reported to have decided to join Rangers.

Rangers have been trailing the 22-year-old all summer with Paul Le Guen keen to bring him to Ibrox.

The Scottish giants have been in talks with Lyon for the last few weeks as they try to thrash out a deal, but they have so far been unable to reach an accord.

Paris Saint Germain and St Etienne are both believed to be interested in Clement after Lyon revealed they are willing to let the player leave Stade Gerland.

Clement has been weighing his options up and reports emanating from France suggest he has decided to move to Scotland.

The news will be a boost for Le Guen as he has made Clement one of his top targets since taking charge at Ibrox.

Rangers are now expected to speed up their talks with Lyon next week as they look to secure Clement's signature. Source - Sky Sports

13 June 2006

Rangers are also trailing Lyon starlet Jeremy Clement but St Etienne, Monaco, Troyes and Valenciennes are also keen on the 21-year-old.

"Since chairman Jean-Michel Aulas stated that I can leave, I am lucky to have some contacts," Clement told France Football.

"I am looking for a team where people will rely on me and where I will have playing time because it is difficult at Lyon.

"A few days ago, I talked with Paul Le Guen.

"He told me his project and what he expects from me.

"It is very rewarding to have been contacted by Rangers. In my mind, it is the priority trail. I also had contacts with Valenciennes and Troyes.

"I am listening to everyone as I have not made any decision yet but I have a preference.

"I don't close the door to Valenciennes or Troyes. If I can sign at Rangers, I will be happy but it seems both clubs can't find an agreement." Source - Sky Sports

10 June 2006

Rangers target Jeremy Clement has admitted he is unsure of his future.

Lyon are willing to let Clement leave this summer as he is well down the pecking order at Stade Gerland.

The French champions are thought to have rejected an offer from Rangers for Clement and it has left the door open for other clubs to try and sign him.

Paris Saint Germain and St Etienne are both believed to be keeping tabs on Clement and the 21-year-old is in the dark regards his future.

"The only thing that seems certain about my transfer at the moment is I will be leaving Lyon," Clement told the Scottish Daily Mail.

"After that, I don't know where I will be next season.

"As soon as Lyon accept bids for me, I will have a big decision to make and I genuinely don't yet know what I am going to do.

"I have the chance to go to Paris, St Etienne or a few other French clubs.

"I could also go to Rangers to play for the man who gave me my professional debut.

"They are a huge club with great supporters and, under Paul Le Guen, they will have ambitions to win the league and make an impact on the Uefa Cup.

"But PSG and St Etienne are also big clubs and the question for me is `Do I want to leave France and go to Scotland at this stage of my career?'

"I really do not know the answer yet." Source - Sky Sports

8 June 2006

Lyon have rejected a bid from Rangers for Jeremy Clement but have urged Paul Le Guen's side to come back with a new offer.

The 21-year-old midfielder has already expressed his interest at linking up with his former boss at Ibrox but L'OL have turned down The Gers' bid of £700,000.

The French champions' general manager Marino Faccioli has also revealed interest from a number of Ligue 1 sides, some of which are prepared to up the bidding ante.

However Faccioli is aware of the player's preference for a move to Scotland and is optimistic a deal can be thrashed out with the Glasgow giants.

"Rangers have made an offer but it was not enough for us and we have rejected it," Faccioli told the Daily Record.

"It is correct that the offer was for €1 million (£700,000), but we already have two or three better offers from some French clubs.

"We have not said 'yes' to anyone at this moment because it appears the player is interested in Rangers, so we are waiting for them to come back to us with a better offer.

"Perhaps by Friday we will have some more news." Source - Sky Sports

31 May 2006

JEREMY CLEMENT will keep Rangers waiting before making a decision on his future.
The highly-rated 21-year-old Lyon midfielder has revealed that there are other offers for him to mull over from clubs in France.

But he has admitted the pulling power of working under Paul Le Guen could be a significant factor in determining his next move.

The left-sided player has fallen out of favour at Lyon and his priority is establishing himself as a regular first-team player.

And the chance to play under his former mentor could swing it for Rangers, who face competition from Auxerre, Nantes and Monaco. He said: "In France, Rangers have a reputation as an extraordinary club - a dream club to play for.

"The fact that Le Guen is going there as manager makes it even more attractive. He's a good manager, he is respected by everyone and he achieved great success during his time at Lyon.
"Of course, it is a big attraction for me to think about working again with him in Glasgow, but I now have offers from Nantes, Monaco and Auxerre to think about.

"But, from a French point of view, the Rangers option is very attractive because of the atmosphere, the supporters and Paul Le Guen.

"Monaco are a good club, Nantes also have some good players, but Le Guen is the best because I have played for him already and we know how each other likes to work. There is a lot to think about, but I'll make my decision at the end of June."

Former Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset, now a goalkeeping coach at Lyon, is stunned that the French Champions are prepared to allow Clement to leave the club, but has insisted Rangers would be getting a player who would immediately settle in Glasgow.

He has tipped the midfielder to be a success at Ibrox and expects Le Guen to pull off the signing.
"Jeremy is a young lad with so much ability," he said. "He is very active in midfield and he'll run all day for you.

"He is left-sided which always gives a team something different and Lyon should be trying to keep him - not sell him. Jeremy is an intelligent player and he'll fit straight into life in Scotland.

"He was introduced into the Lyon side by Le Guen, but in recent seasons he has found it pretty difficult.That's only because we have one of the most exceptional midfields in Europe.

"We have Juninho, Tiago, Mahamadou Diarra and Florent Malouda. Clement would be first choice in any other team in France, believe me.

"Rangers are getting a quality, young player and this is a great piece of business by Le Guen. He is definitely the kind of player who can help Rangers' European ambitions.

"I know they did well in the Champions League last season and that next year their aim will be the Uefa Cup. Jeremy will add quality to an area of the park where Rangers need it." Source - Evening Times

30 May 2006

LYON will do all they can to reunite midfielder Jeremy Clement with Paul Le Guen at Rangers. But the French champions say their asking price for the 21-year-old must be met by their former manager.

SportTimes revealed yesterday that Le Guen is pursuing the player he brought into the Lyon first team as an 18-year-old.

It is believed Rangers are looking at around £700,000 for Clement, who is into the final year of his contract and says he wants to work again with Le Guen in Glasgow. Lyon want around £1m , with interest also from Rennes, St Etienne and Nice.

Le Guen first made contact about Clement with Lyon general manager Marino Facciolo at the Champions League Final two weeks ago.

He had further talks with Bernard Lacombe, transfer advisor to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, at the Uefa Under-21 Championship in Portugal last week.
And Lacombe revealed: "Rangers have not yet made a concrete financial offer for the player, but we have been in definite discussions with them over a price for Jeremy Clement

"The president really likes Paul Le Guen and would do everything in his power to make this a possibility for him.

"They have a great relationship and Paul left a lot of happy memories at Lyon when he departed. However, that does not mean we are going to give him any presents.

"Jeremy is on holiday at the moment but his agent has informed me that he would be quite interested in the prospect of going to Rangers, so we will see how the situation develops."

Clement has played 46 times for Lyon in the past three years and has been told by Aulas that he can leave this summer as he seeks regular first-team football.

The French Under-21 internationalist has grown frustrated at the lack of opportunities given to him this season by coach Gerard Houllier who has a powerful midfield unit at his disposal.

"Yes, I know that Rangers are very interested in me," Clement said, "Paul Le Guen has spoken to my agent and I talked with him also. I know he wants me to come and join him and I am very interested in that prospect.

"I am 22 in a few months time and I feel I need to be playing regular football now."
Lyon could be ready to offload several of Le Guen's former charges this summer.
And the new Gers gaffer will be interested in the likes of right full-back Anthony Reveillere and midfielder Benoit Pedretti if the Lyon asking prices are within range.

"When I met Paul in Portugal last week we had a good discussion," Lacombe added.

"He emphasised to me that he was really happy with his new job in Glasgow and is highly impressed with the facilities and the stadium. He said his working conditions would be fantastic." Source - EveningTimes

30 May 2006

yon have warned Rangers boss Paul Le Guen to expect a fight for midfielder Jeremy Clement.

The Ligue 1 champions are prepared to let the highly-rated 21-year-old go this summer, but have revealed that Rangers are not the only club chasing his signature.

Le Guen has already raided the continent for Libor Sionko and Karl Svensson and had been expected to bolster his squad further with the capture of Clement, but he will now have to stave off the interest of three French sides.

"Paul has told me that he wants this player but there has been nothing more so far," said Lyon general manager Marino Faccioli.

"Clement can leave Lyon this summer but we don't know to which club yet.

"Some French clubs are interested in him such as Rennes, Nice and St Etienne. We will see what happens."

Rangers remain favourites in the race to land Clement though, with the player confirming that he had been in contact with the Glasgow outfit.

"I know Rangers are interested. Paul Le Guen has talked with my agent and I have also spoken with him so I know he wants me to come to Glasgow," he explained.

"I am very interested in signing for Rangers."

However, Faccioli claims that Le Guen has yet to make a bid for Clement, leaving Lyon free to listen to other options.

"I spoke with Paul Le Guen in Paris when we were there for the UEFA Champions League," he commented.

"We spoke about Jeremy Clement but Rangers have not made an offer so we still have not reached a final decision." Source - Sky Sports

30 May 2006

LYON last night warned former boss Paul Le Guen he's part of a four-way fight for Jeremy Clement.

The French club confirmed to Record Sport Le Guen has opened talks aimed at luring the 21-year-old midfield player to Ibrox.

But general manager Marino Faccioli - an old ally of Le Guen from their time together at the Stade Gerland -revealed three rival clubs from Le Championnat have also made Clement a target.

Faccioli said: "Paul has told me that he wants this player but there has been nothing more so far.

"Clement can leave Lyon this summer but we don't know to which club yet.

"Some French clubs are also interested in him such as Rennes, Nice and St Etienne. We will see what happens."

Meanwhile, Clement has revealed he had signing talks with Le Guen as the new Rangers manager continues his early summer shopping spree.

Already he has up Czech international Libor Sionko and Sweden's World Cup defender Karl Svensson as well as French youngsters Antione Ponyol and William Stanger and Chelsea teenager Dean Furman.

And Clement - a left-sided central midfield player - appears to be keen on signing up for the revolution.

He said: "Yes, I know Rangers are interested. Paul Le Guen has talked with my agent and I have also spoken with him so I know he wants me to come to Glasgow.

"I am very interested in signing for Rangers."

Faccioli revealed Le Guen made his move when the pair met up in Paris for the Champions League Final almost two weeks ago.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insits the club are currently "studying" acash offer for the player which French sources believe to be worth a million euros or £685,000. But, curiously, Faccioli remained adamant yesterday that, as yet, no bid has been received from Ibrox.

He added: "I spoke with Paul Le Guen last week in Paris when we were there for the final of the Champions League.

"We spoke about Jeremy Clement but Rangers have not made an offer so we still have not reached a final decision." Source - Daily Record

29 May 2006

Rangers have bid for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Jeremy Clement, according to the French club's chairman.

Jean-Michel Aulas told Glasgow's Evening Times: "Regarding Jeremy Clement, there has been an offer from Rangers and we are studying it."

Gothenburg defender Karl Svensson was signed last week for about £600,000.

Now new Rangers manager Paul Le Guen hopes to move for the left-sided Clement, now 21, who he introduced into the Lyon first-team three seasons ago. Source - BBC Sport

29 May 2006

PAUL LE GUEN has bid for Lyon midfielder Jeremy Clement - after landing Swedish stopper Karl Svensson for a bargain £600,000.

As Rangers chairman David Murray confirmed his new boss was pressing ahead with signing plans, his Lyon counterpart Jean-Michel Aulas revealed the offer for 21-year-old Clement.

Aulas said: "Regarding Jeremy Clement, there has been an offer from Rangers and we are studying it."
Le Guen introduced the left-sided player into the team at Stade Gerland three years ago, and he will be hoping to strike as impressive a deal for him as he did for 22-year-old Svensson. Source - EveningTimes