As quoted by the Daily Record, Lille manager, Christophe Galtier, has dropped a hint on signings amid their interest in Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, as big clubs reportedly track Jonathan Ikone.
Morelos was said to be close to a move to the French club earlier this summer but the Gers rejected a reported £16.25m bid [Daily Mail] and Les Dogues then swooped for Canada international, Jonathan David.
Lille president, Gerard Lopez, then suggested that although they were still tracking Morelos, no more attackers would arrive at the club unless a current first-team star was sold [BBC Sport].
Now, though, big clubs like Chelsea and Inter Milan [Metro] are reportedly interested in £41m-rated [The Times] France international Jonathan Ikone and Galtier is under the impression that the club will re-enter the market should the 22-year-old move on.
“Right now I’m focused on preparing the matches and the competitions we’re competing in,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record. “October 5 [deadline day] is still a long way away in my eyes, we have three matches before then.”
“I’m focused on what to do with my current squad. I’m sure the president and Luis (Campos) (director of football) are working and any outgoings will be matched by arrivals.”
“It’s fine that I’m not kept in the loop, I’m focused on the matches and it doesn’t affect my decisions.”
Lille boss drops signings hint as Alfredo Morelos interest could be revived – Verdict
Galtier clearly isn’t right up to date with the transfer dealings at Lille, but his comments here suggest that he’s been given certain assurances that if he loses a big player, the club will at least attempt to provide him with a replacement.
Lille have already reinvested some of the major fee received for Victor Osimhen by bringing in Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz. Yet, with neither firing so far this season, it seems likely that an additional forward option would be sought if Ikone is snapped up.
Morelos was a major target for Lopez a few months ago and although he hasn’t had the best of starts to the campaign, his brace off the bench against Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday suggested he is getting back on track.
Rangers are looking for £20m for the player and if Lille return with an offer in that region before the end of the window, they may find it difficult to turn down.
