LILLE COACH RUDI Garcia has revealed the club have rejected a four million-pound offer for France defender Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle.
Debuchy has impressed in the first two Group D games of Euro 2012, and Newcastle were understood to be keen to make their move prior to the fullback’s valuation soaring further.
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However, Garcia regards Newcastle’s bid as far too low, and joked the English Premier League side must have been bidding for a different player.
He told French website 20minutes: “(Debuchy) is torn between staying with us and playing in the Champions League in our new stadium or going elsewhere.”
“If he does go and it is a sporting progression, then we will be happy to see him evolve – but we have not planned to replace him.”
Garcia also insisted Debuchy’s raised profile after his displays so far in Poland and Ukraine has not come as a surprise.
“No (the interest has not been a surprise), as he plays with France as he does with us, he plays high and attacks but defensively is also very rigorous and he exudes confidence.
“Without insulting (Laurent) Reveillere and (Bacary) Sagna, he is trying to show he should always be right-back for France.”
Newcastle are reportedly keen to bring in reinforcements after right-back Danny Simpson rejected a contract offer.
Newcastle have bid for Debuchy rejected
LILLE COACH RUDI Garcia has revealed the club have rejected a four million-pound offer for France defender Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle.
Debuchy has impressed in the first two Group D games of Euro 2012, and Newcastle were understood to be keen to make their move prior to the fullback’s valuation soaring further.
However, Garcia regards Newcastle’s bid as far too low, and joked the English Premier League side must have been bidding for a different player.
He told French website 20minutes: “(Debuchy) is torn between staying with us and playing in the Champions League in our new stadium or going elsewhere.”
“If he does go and it is a sporting progression, then we will be happy to see him evolve – but we have not planned to replace him.”
Garcia also insisted Debuchy’s raised profile after his displays so far in Poland and Ukraine has not come as a surprise.
“No (the interest has not been a surprise), as he plays with France as he does with us, he plays high and attacks but defensively is also very rigorous and he exudes confidence.
“Without insulting (Laurent) Reveillere and (Bacary) Sagna, he is trying to show he should always be right-back for France.”
Newcastle are reportedly keen to bring in reinforcements after right-back Danny Simpson rejected a contract offer.
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