Europe » Rest Of Europe » France » French Ligue 1

Fiorentina Join The Race For Stéphane Mbia

Rennes midfielder Stéphane Mbia continues to attract a great deal of interest from some of Europe’s best known clubs, with reports from France suggesting that Fiorentina are chasing the versatile player.

Dec 5, 2008 6:28:01 PM

Teams

Players

Stéphane Mbia

When Stéphane Mbia limped off in the first half of Rennes’ 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain last weekend, he was probably not considering his long-term future. With interest mounting in securing his signature as the transfer window nears, and the duration of his spell on the sidelines thought to be at least one month, it could well be that the 22-year-old has played his last game in Brittany.

During the summer it seemed inevitable that David Moyes would lure the Yaoundé-born prodigy to Everton. However, the Merseyside club and the player met with stubborn resistance from the Rennes board.

Although he admitted his displeasure at the situation, Mbia continued regardless and has turned in a number of fine showings in Ligue 1.

But Everton are not considered to be the only interested party in England as a posse of Premier League clubs are reported to be currently tracking the player. Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been named by various sources as being front-runners for the player’s signature.

Football365 suggests that Italy’s Fiorentina are also courting the Cameroon international as they sent a scout to watch him play last weekend. Mbia was only on the field for around half-an-hour before limping off with his thigh problem.

Opposition to any move is sure to come from the Rennes board, who have watched one of their most promising players help les Rouges et Noirs to second place in Ligue 1. With so many top clubs hot on the trail of Mbia, it may be too much to ward them off this time around.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!