Villarreal Interested In Rod Fanni - Report

Villarreal are set to compete with Everton in the race to sign Stade Rennais' defender Rod Fanni in the summer, as the Spanish club look to rebuild, according to a report.

The Yellow Submarine have signed several low-profile players under Manuel Pellegrini and turned them into stars and they are planning to try and keep the process going.

Fanni is not entirely unknown, however, as he has two appearances for France under his belt, following an impressive two years with Stade Rennais, but he has yet to make headlines across Europe.

RMC state that Villarreal sent scouts to watch Stade Rennais' win against Saint-Etienne recently and run the rule over the 27-year-old right-back, who stands at 6ft 1in.

Everton have also been linked with a move for Fanni, while Sam Allardyce first became interested in the player during his time at Newcastle United and could still see him as a good addition at Blackburn Rovers.

Fanni, who is of Beninese origin, began his career at his hometown club of Martigues, before moving to Lens in 2002 and, after a three-year stint with the club, then joined Nice.

In 2007, Stade Rennais secured his services and during the last two campaigns, he has attracted interest from several clubs and also come to the attention of the French national coach, Raymond Domenech.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com