As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Lille president, Gerard Lopez, says ‘big offers’ have landed for Jonathan Ikone, whose potential departure could prompt improved bids for Rangers star Alfredo Morelos.
Lopez previously stated that, following the signings of Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz, it was difficult to see Morelos joining unless another forward followed Victor Osimhen out of the club [BBC Sport].
Now, it seems like an exit for France international attacker Ikone – who Lille value at £41m [The Times] – and several other first-team players, could be on the cards, though.
“He [Ikone] is an interesting player, and that’s the problem!” said Lopez, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “He has the ability to make a huge difference, he’s a player who is in the France team.”
“Everyone has to agree on the way to move forward – there are big offers for him. I’ll sit down with the players and their entourages this week. We’ve had offers for (Renato) Sanches and (Luiz) Araujo, which we turned down.
“We need to sit down with the players and talk about it, aside from Boubakary (Soumare) who is a player I love but who has to be patient because we only play two in the middle. The door’s open for him if he wants to leave, but for the rest, we need to discuss things.”
Rangers wait on further Morelos bids as Lille president claims big offers land for Ikone – Verdict
Morelos has been linked with Lille all summer, with Sky Sports reporting in July that the Colombian international had agreed personal terms, only for a bid in the region of £16.25m to be rejected [Daily Mail].
Colombian journalist Carlos Aleman recently claimed on Twitter that the French club’s pursuit had gone cold but not frozen and it’s realistic that Ikone’s departure could prompt them to return with an improved offer for El Bufalo.
The 24-year-old striker netted 29 goals last season and starred in the Europa League group stages but has been off-colour in recent times and the presence of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten in the squad now ensures the Gers can afford to move him on, should their asking price be met.
With Lopez set to meet with Ikone in the coming days to make a call, there could be movement soon.
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