Transfer Talk : Boum2

Lyon close in on Boumsong
Monday 21 January, 2008

Out-of-favour Juventus defender Jean-Alain Boumsong could sign for French champions Lyon before the end of the week.

The French stopper was a regular starter during the Old Lady’s promotion from Serie B, but he is yet to make a contribution this term.

While injury problems have been partly responsible for the former Newcastle man’s peripheral role, boss Claudio Ranieri doesn’t appear to think he is up to the pace of the top flight.

While Lazio and Besiktas have been linked with a swoop for Boumsong, it now appears that Lyon are in pole position for his signature.

“We should complete a deal for Boumsong at the start of the week,” Les Gones President Jean-Michael Aulas declared.

“In the next few hours we will meet with Juventus officials to come to an agreement.”

The deal is expected to take the form of a loan until June with a fee set to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

* channel4