18 April 2006

PAUL LE GUEN may be running his eye over highly rated French Under-21 keeper Steve Mandanda.
But countryman Gilles Rousset would be surprised if the Le Havre kid is the shot-stopper the incoming Gers boss wants to be his new No.1 next season.
Le Guen has been charting the progress of Mandanda who was recently named the best goalkeeper at the Toulon tournament.

The 21-year-old is valued at around £1million, with Le Havre chairman Jean-Pierre Louval claiming last week that Le Guen has "tapped up" the keeper about a move to Glasgow.
Former Hearts keeper Rousset - now coach at Le Guen's old club Lyon - believes Mandanda could have a huge future.

But he said: "I am a little surprised that Rangers are said to be considering Mandanda because they are a massive club and there is always going to be a lot of pressure on the people in their side.

"I would have thought they would be looking for a more experienced keeper unless they are only looking at him as cover or a player for the future.

"He is young, but he has a growing reputation in France. Le Havre are in Ligue Two, and the standard there is the same as the bottom half of the SPL.

"It's hard to know what you get when you take a young player from that level." Source - Evening Times

17 April 2006

Rangers are considering a summer move for France Under-21 international keeper Steve Mandanda, according to a French sports magazine.

France Football has reported that Paul Le Guen, the incoming Rangers manager, is an admirer of the £1m-rated Le Havre player, who was voted best goalkeeper at last summer's Under-21 international tournament at Toulon.

Mandanda, who was born in Congo, joined the French club at 16, and has progressed through the ranks to become their first-choice keeper.

Le Guen is weighing up his goalkeeping options, with the futures of both Ronald Waterreus and Stefan Klos uncertain at Ibrox. He may now turn to Mandanda, 21, who has dual-French nationality and would not require a work permit to play in Scotland.

The 6ft 1in keeper is believed to be interested in making the switch as Le Havre are only seventh in the French second division, and are virtually certain to miss out on promotion. Source - The Herald

17 April 2006

PAUL LE GUEN has been accused of tapping up French Under-21 keeper Steve Mandanda. The 6ft 1in Le Havre youngster has been watched several times by the incoming Rangers boss and could be a £1m target.

Le Havre president Jean-Pierre Louvel is unhappy and claimed: "Steve has a three-year deal, so it was therefore forbidden for Le Guen to negotiate directly with our goalkeeper over a transfer to Rangers.
"I am extremely disappointed with his attitude and reserve the right to inform the very highest decision- making bodies of football." Source - Evening Times