French Ligue 1 round-up

Several teams missed the chance to take the advantage in the Ligue 1 title race as none of the top four won on Saturday.

Leaders Bordeaux miscarry to win for the third league match in row as they played out a goalless draw with Monaco.

Montpellier and Auxerre draw 1-1 at Stade de la Mosson.

Lyon was before the imminence to a shock home defeat at the hands of St Etienne but after all avoided with a point.

Melvut Erdinc hat-trick secured PSG explicit 4-1 victory over Sochaux.

Relegation struggling Le Mans promising run of form was brought to an end after they were defeated by Nice as Loic Remy shot the only goal.

A sole strike was also good enough for Lorient as they procured a home ground success against Lens with Sylvain Marchal being the only goalscorer.

There were more goals to be seen at Nancy, but sadly for the home fans it was visitors Boulogne who grab 3-1 win.

Coupe de France: Lille knocked out by amateurs

Amateurs SR Colmar provided the shock of a busy day in the Coupe de France by dumping out Ligue 1 outfit Lille on penalties.

Despite having a man sent off, the minnows from the CFA - French football's fourth tier - held out for a goalless draw over 120 minutes against their much-changed top-flight opponents before winning through to the last 32 after edging an epic penalty shoot-out 10-9.

Despite that, coach Damien Ott said: "I have mixed feelings - I would rather have played against the true Lille team that I have admired on television.

"I would rather lose 5-0 against that team - we could have learnt a lot and made progress."

Grenoble won the all-Ligue 1 tie against Montpellier 3-2 after extra time thanks to Nassim Akrour's winner.

Victor Hugo Montano's penalty put Montpellier ahead (41) but Daisuke Matsui equalised on the stroke of half-time and Danijel Ljuboja seemed to have won it for the hosts five minutes from time.

But Karim Ait-Fana immediately hit back to ensure extra time - only for Akrour to have the final say.

The remaining top-flight sides in action on Saturday, Sochaux and Lens, progressed courtesy of 1-0 away wins against amateur opposition.

Sloan Privat's goal saw the former past Saint Louis Neuweg, while Lens needed a Stephane Chretien own goal to overcome Compiegne.

Ligue 2 Brest needed extra time to edge past CFA side Pontivy 1-0 thanks to Basile De Carvalho's goal, while Marcus Mokake, Eyemen Henaini and Pierrick Valdivia fired Sedan to a 3-0 win at St-Ouen L'Aumone.

In round 10, CFA side Quevilly produced an upset with a 1-0 win over Ligue 2 Angers thanks to Abdel Ouahbi's 71st-minute goal.

Ligue 1 Bordeaux hammered Ajaccio, from the division below, 5-1 thanks to Fernando Cavenaghi's hat-trick after Jaroslav Plasil and Wendell had put them 2-0 up. Ludovic Guerriero briefly cut Ajaccio's deficit to 3-1.

Also reaching the last 16 were Beauvais, after Romain Canales' brace and a Joffrey Cuffaut strike earned them a 3-0 win over Agen, and Vesoul, who saw off Raon l'Etape thanks to Alain Etame's goal.

Rennes reached Coupe de France last 16

Frederic Antonetti's Rennes stormed into the last 16 of the Coupe de France on Friday evening with a 4-0 victory at Saumur.

Sylvain Marveaux and Moussa Sow each scored twice for the Ligue 1 side in a convincing triumph.

The impressive Marveaux opened the scoring five minutes before half-time and, although the fifth-tier outfit stood firm for much of the second half, three goals in the last 10 minutes sealed the visitors' win.

Sow doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute, Marveaux made it 3-0 five minutes later and then Sow rounded things off from the penalty spot in injury time.

Ligue 1 Round-up

Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux rallied from a goal down to win 3-1 at Grenoble and extend its lead at the top of the French league to eight points, with Yoan Gouffran, Marouane Chamakh and Fernando Cavenaghi scoring in the second half.

The basement club dominated the first half and deservedly led through Laurent Batlles' injury-time strike.

But Jimmy Juan received his marching orders two minutes after the interval and his side paid the price as Yoan Gouffran, Marouane Chamakh and Fernando Cavenaghi earned the visitors a 3-1 win.

Victor Hugo Montano's late goal saw Montpellier climb to second place with a 1-0 win at struggling Lens.

The Colombian fired home from a narrow angle three minutes from time and Lille's slip at Sochaux meant Rene Girard's side, in their first season following promotion from Ligue 2, moved into the Champions League places.

Damien Perquis and Sebastien Dalmat put Sochaux 2-0 up inside 11 minutes and Teddy Richert saved Yohan Cabaye's penalty as Lille sought a way back into the game.

Robert Vittek's second-half strike, though, was their only consolation as Richert denied Stephane Dumont a late equaliser.

Marseille and Lyon kept up their pursuit of the leading teams after comeback wins.

Lyon trailed to Pierre Ducasse's goal at Lorient but Lisandro Lopez levelled despite suspicions of offside and Kim Kallstrom's brace saw Lyon home.

Anthony Le Tallec gave Le Mans the lead at Marseille, but Mamadou Niang levelled the scores after 30 minutes and then slotted home coolly from the spot after Le Mans keeper Rodolphe Roche had brought down Brandao.

A single goal apiece was enough for Monaco and Auxerre to clinch away wins at Nice and Paris St Germain respectively.

Ireneusz Jelen's controversial stoppage-time winner, from what looked like a clear offside position, handed Auxerre all three points against a depleted Nice side.

And Monaco goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier was the star of the show with a string of fine saves - including one from team-mate Cedric Mongongu's wayward back-header - as opposite number Apoula Edel's own goal handed the visitors victory.

Toulouse's bid to secure European football next season suffered a blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Nancy at Stadium Municipal.

Bordeaux has 47 points, Montpellier has 39 and Lille has 37 points. All have played 21 games.

Marseille, Lyon, Monaco and Auxerre all have 36 points, but Marseille has played one game less.

Saint-Etienne draws with Rennes

Saint-Etienne missed the chance to move further away from the relegation zone when it drew 0-0 at home to Rennes in the French league.

Boubacar Sanogo almost won the match for Saint-Etienne in the last minute but Rennes goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez did well to kick away his goal-bound shot.

Saint-Etienne showed just why it was struggling and did not muster a shot on target until Guiranne N'Daw's tame free kick was saved easily by Douchez in the 76th.

The draw meant both teams failed to gain any ground. Rennes remained in ninth place with 31 points from 21 games, while Saint-Etienne was one place above the relegation zone in 17th place with 20 -- just four points ahead of Le Mans in 18th.

Rennes striker Jimmy Briand, trying to force his way back into the France squad after recovering from a long-term knee injury, raced through early on and only a fine tackle from Yohan Benalouane deprived him of a scoring opportunity.

But in a game of few chances played in heavy fog at Stade Geffroy-Guichard, Rennes waited until the 48th minute to test Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Jeremie Janot, who did well to parry a shot from striker Moussa Sow.

On Wednesday, French leader Bordeaux travels to play last-place Grenoble, and second-place Lille is at Sochaux.

Lille has scored 26 goals in the last seven league games, and has managed to tally at least three goals in each of its last 10 games in all competitions.

Bordeaux has 44 points, Lille 37 and Montpellier was in third spot with 36. All have played 20 games. Marseille has played 19 matches and was in fourth with 33.

League One round-up

Lille and Montpellier continued the pursuit of leaders Bordeaux with wins over PSG and Nice respectively as Lyon left it late to beat Nancy

In-form Lille made it seven wins in a row in all competitions after a convincing 3-1 success at home to Paris St Germain.

Ludovic Obraniak put Lille ahead after just five minutes and he crossed for Florent Belmont to head home the second goal on 52 minutes.

Franck Beria headed the third goal in the 68th minute after Yohan Cabaye had helped on a corner before Mevlut Erding headed a late consolation for PSG.

The result leaves Lille six points behind Bordeaux, while Montpellier are a further point adrift after a 1-0 home victory over Nice.

Souleymane Camara scored the only goal from close range on 58 minutes, while Montpellier came close to a second when Emir Spahic struck the crossbar.

Lyon are 10 points off top spot after scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to claim a 2-0 away success over Nancy.

Cris turned home a corner from close range to finally break the deadlock on 79 minutes before Maxime Gonalons made certain of the points with four minutes to go.

St Etienne climbed out of the relegation zone after hanging on to record an important 2-1 success away to Grenoble, who have now won just once in 20 league matches this season.

Loic Perrin gave St Etienne the lead just after the half-hour mark and Emmanuel Riviere doubled the advantage five minutes before half-time.

A Cedric Varrault own goal immediately brought Grenoble back into the game and the hosts almost snatched an equaliser when Sandy Paillot was denied by the woodwork in the second half.


Auxerre's bid to make inroads into Bordeaux's lead at the top was thwarted after a 0-0 draw at home to second-from-bottom Boulogne.

Lorient produced an impressive performance on their travels after a 3-0 win over lowly Le Mans, with Laurent Koscielny scoring after 22 minutes.

Olivier Monterrubio's free-kick made it 2-0 just before the interval and he added another goal early in the second period from Arnaud Le Lan's cross.

Nene struck twice in the final six minutes as Monaco battled for a 2-0 win over Sochaux at Stade Louis II.

Stephane Dalmat hit the post midway through the second half for Sochaux before Nene netted on 84 minutes and again in stoppage-time.

Franck Tabanou helped himself to a brace as Toulouse won 3-1 at Valenciennes to move level on points with their opponents.

Tabanou opened the scoring from Andre-Pierre Gignac's pass on 16 minutes before Johan Audel headed home Rudy Mater's free-kick to equalise a minute before half-time.

Carlos Sanchez then hit the bar for Valenciennes before Mohamed Fofana responded likewise for the visitors.

Toulouse went back in front on 84 minutes when Tabanou was again set up by Gignac to score and Moussa Sissoko then added a third three minutes later.

Rennes and Lens played out a 1-1 draw, with Moussa Sow nodding in Rod Fanni's cross to put the hosts ahead on 55 minutes.

Kevin Monnet-Paquet's close-range finish 10 minutes later earned a point for Lens, who had Alaeddine Yahia sent off late on.

Coupe de France

Nice became the first top-flight team to crash out of the Coupe de France to lower-league opponents as they slipped up against Plabennec

Plabennec are making hard work of life in France's third tier but pulled off a huge shock as two goals from captain Jean-Michel Abiven rendered Loic Remy's opener academic.

Holders Guingamp saw off minnows Bonchamp 2-0 with Mathieu Scarpelli and Moustapha Diallo on the scoresheet.

Trelissac were no match for Marseille, as Hatem Ben Arfa and Bruno Cheyrou both netted to secure a 2-0 victory.

Ligue 2 Angers are also in the hat for the last 32 after a 1-0 win away to AS Lattes, while Versailles were beaten 3-0 by Beauvais.

Marseille: Hatem Ben Arfa will stay at the club

Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier says it is "95 per cent" certain that Hatem Ben Arfa will stay at the club until the end of the season

The winger had been tipped to leave the French giants during the January transfer window after struggling for playing time under l'OM coach Didier Deschamps.

Manchester United and Olympiakos have been heavily linked with bids for the 22-year-old, while Sevilla and Tottenham were also reported to be keeping tabs on the situation.

However, Dassier is expecting Ben Arfa to see out the campaign at Marseille and does not believe the player is keen to leave the Stade Velodrome.

"There is a 95 per cent chance of him staying at the club," said Dassier.

"I never thought he would leave and he was never very enthusiastic about leaving either."

Dassier conceded a big offer could tempt Marseille into a sale, but he revealed there have been no bids for the former Lyon starlet.

He added in France Football: "For just now he is in Spain with Marseille.

"We have received no offers, but it is true that if a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid offered €45million (£40.5m) then we would have to think twice. But I don't believe it will happen."

Sochaux chief hopeful of Boyd deal

Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe is confident of completing a deal to take Rangers striker Kris Boyd to France this month.

Boyd smashed Henrik Larsson's Scottish Premier League scoring record earlier this week with five goals in a 7-1 win over Dundee United at Ibrox taking his tally to 160.

The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer and Rangers could accept an offer this month rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Sochaux representative Gerard Battles will be at the Old Firm derby on Sunday and Lacombe claims a deal could be on the cards.

"He would really love to come to France," the Sochaux boss told L'Equipe. "A transfer in January is foreseeable and his salary is not prohibitive.

"Moreover, he will be at the the end of his contract in June."

Sochaux are 15th in the Ligue 1 standings albeit with two games in hand on the majority of their rivals.

Ligue 1 round-up

Bordeaux beat Toulouse 2-1 and increased its lead to nine points halfway through the French league on Wednesday.

"We can be satisfied of what we have achieved but let's not relax," Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc told Canal Plus television, "because in football everything can go quickly."

Through 19 matches, defending champion Bordeaux tops the standings with 43 points. Lille, which routed Nancy 4-0 to earn its sixth straight league win, climbed to second place with 34 points.

"Those stretches are unexplainable," Lille midfielder Ludovic Obraniak told Canal Plus. "Everything we try works. It's too bad there's the winter break because we were riding the momentum."

Elsewhere, it was: Marseille 0, Auxerre 2; Lyon 1, Montpellier 2; Sochaux 2, Rennes 0; Lorient 3, Valenciennes 2; Paris Saint-Germain 4, Grenoble 0; Le Mans 1, Monaco 1; and Nice 2, Boulogne 2.

Lens edged Saint-Etienne 1-0 on Tuesday.

Montpellier rose to third with 33 points, Marseille slipped to fourth with 32, level on points with Auxerre in fifth, while Lyon fell to sixth with 30.

Paulo Machado opened the scoring for Toulouse from the edge of the box after four minutes against Bordeaux.

Marouane Chamakh headed inside the near post a cross from Benoit Tremoulinas to equalize four minutes later.

The turning point in the match occurred when Cheikh M'Bengue was sent off in the 73rd for picking up a second yellow card. The Toulouse defender fouled Chamakh, who was bearing down on goal.

Geraldo Wendel hit the winning goal from the ensuing free kick that deflected off Toulouse defender Mohamed Fofana.

In Nancy, Eden Hazard took a low cross from Gervinho and spun to score in the 42nd.

Gervinho converted a rebound to make it 2-0 in the 51st.

Nancy was reduced to 10 men in the 60th after Joel Sami fouled Gervinho. Pierre-Alain Frau converted the penalty kick to notch his ninth goal this season.

Gervinho then outpaced the Nancy defense to slip the ball past goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano in the 73rd, to become the league-leading scorer with 11.

In Marseille, Daniel Niculae fed forward Dennis Oliech, who beat goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in the 41st.

Oliech then collected a throughball from Roy Contout to double the lead in the 79th.

"We wanted to attack but unfortunately we got hit twice on the fast break," Marseille centerback Souleymane Diawara told Foot Plus television. "Auxerre defended well, too. We didn't manage to score. We feel sad tonight."

Injuries forced Marseille to replace defender Laurent Bonnart and midfielder Lucho Gonzalez in the first half-hour.

In Lyon, Victor Hugo Montano curled a shot into the top corner to put Montpellier ahead in the 53rd.

Lyon equalized in the 83rd with a header from Bafetimbi Gomis.

But two minutes later, Lyon left Joris Marveaux unmarked on a free kick and the Montpellier midfielder beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from close range for the victory.

"We must come back in the (title) race and show our real level again," Lyon manager Claude Puel told Europe 1 radio. "We'll have to show a different face. We were competitive in the first three months. Then we showed the complete opposite in December."

In Sochaux, Stephane Dalmat pounced on a loose ball to score on the stroke of halftime with a low strike. Edouard Butin beat the offside trap in the 60th to skip past goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez and secure the victory for Sochaux.

Rennes was one man down in the 11th after forward Asamoah Gyan was red-carded for swinging an arm into Damien Perquis' head.

In Lorient, the host team rallied past Valenciennes with a header from Franco Sosa in the 65th.

Lorient initially got off to a bad start when goalkeeper Fabien Audard missed his clearance kick, letting Johan Audel score into an empty net in the fifth.

Morgan Amalfitano converted a rebound to level for Lorient in the 24th. Gael Danic then cut inside to fire home in the 35th and give the lead back to Valenciennes. But Amalfitano diverted in an off-target shot from Kevin Gameiro to equalize moments into the second half.

Lorient moved into eighth place with 29 points, one clear of mid-table Valenciennes.

In Paris, Peguy Luyindula flicked home a pass from Christophe Jallet in the ninth, and fullback Sylvain Armand doubled PSG's lead in the 18th, heading home a cross from playmaker Stephane Sessegnon. Mevlut Erding added a third goal in the 65th before Christophe Jallet sealed the win with a free kick in the 80th.

PSG climbed to seventh place with 29 points as Grenoble stayed in last place with seven points.

In Le Mans, forward Thorstein Helstad played Anthony Le Tallec in with a headed pass and Le Tallec unleashed a low shot in the 36th. But Park Chu-Young tucked home a cross from Francois-Joseph Modesto in the 50th for his sixth goal this season.

In Nice, Mickael Pote helped the hosts rally twice.

Boulogne, in the relegation zone, took the lead when Damien Perrinelle nodded in a corner kick in the 58th but Pote leveled with a header in the 67th. Jeremy Blayac's counterattack helped Boulogne recapture the lead in the 73rd, but Pote salvaged a draw in the 85th after goalkeeper Jean-Francois Bedenik had denied Loic Remy.

Top 10 sporting moments of 2009

Didier Drogba's live TV rant

"It's a f***king disgrace!" Wild-eyed and wagging an accusatory finger, this was the moment the Chelsea striker lost the plot completely - and kept millions of television viewers entertained well after the final whistle. A rather frustrated Drogba had been incensed by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo's failure to award Chelsea any one of four decent penalty appeals in a thrilling Champions League semi-final defeat to eventual winners Barcelona. He was slapped with a six-game ban and shamefully, the game will be remembered for his rant, rather than a superb late equaliser by Andres Iniesta that settled the tie.

Manny Pacquiao's left hook floors Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton travelled to Las Vegas in May with high hopes of an upset in his IBO light-welterweight world title fight at the MGM Grand. In reality, he lasted just two rounds, succumbing to an imperious left hook of such immense power that he ended the night in hospital. Hatton had already been knocked down twice in the first round before Pacquiao's huge left pole-axed the Mancunian fighter, who was counted out with one second remaining in the round. Defeat cast serious doubts over Hatton's future in the ring, while victory for Pacquiao confirmed the Filipino's status as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Usain Bolt's golden double

The greatest sprinter of all time? That is still open to debate, but the Jamaican's incredible performance at the World Championships confirmed his status as the fastest man on the planet. 'Lightning' Bolt claimed 100m gold in 9.58 seconds in Berlin, stretching those long legs of his to smash his own previous world record with apparent ease. For good measure, the Jamaican went on to win the 200m by a country mile - and break another of his own records.

Tom Williams fakes injury

A bloody mouth and a knowing wink during Harlequins' Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster in April seemed innocuous enough at the time, but when Tom Williams was later outed as a cheat, the rugby world was shocked to its core. Williams, on orders from his club, had faked the injury by biting into a blood capsule bought earlier at a south London joke shop. But this was no laughing matter and the ensuing investigation found Williams guilty, sentencing him to a six-month suspension, while Quins' director of rugby Dean Richards was handed a hefty three-year ban from all rugby. The careers of the club's then-medical team have also been put in jeopardy.

Andrew Flintoff runs out Ricky Ponting

Unlike 2005, England's talisman failed to set alight this year's Ashes series - it was always going to be difficult considering the injuries he was carrying - but one brilliant cameo in his final Test stood out. At 217-2, with Australia threatening to get back into the game, Mike Hussey pushed to the onside and called a single. But he had not counted on Flintoff, who scooped up the ball and threw down the stumps in one glorious movement to run out Ponting and set England on their way to a series-clinching victory. Cue Fred's now famous celebration, legs wide apart, arms in the air, smile on his face and chewing gum.

Rafa Nadal's reign ends at Roland Garros

Nadal, the undisputed king of Roland Garros who had never lost in Paris going into the fourth-round encounter with unfancied Robin Soderling, was brought down to earth with a bump in one of the great tennis upsets of all time. The world number one's incredible 31-match winning run at the tournament was ended by the 23rd seeded Swede, who played the game of his life to win 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-2). Nadal has since slipped to number two in the world rankings, while Soderling beat him for a second time this year at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Denis Menchov slips on the cobbles

Three weeks and 2,146 miles of cycling had been and gone before Menchov served up the most dramatic ending to the race with just 900 yards to go. The overall leader was in sight of the finish line at Rome's Colosseum in the final individual time trial, but as he closed in on securing a famous victory his bike skidded on the rain-slicked cobblestones and he tumbled to the floor. Cue a moment of sheer panic as the thought of falling at the last no doubt entered the Russian's mind. But he held it together to jump on to a spare bike and gingerly complete the course, still 41 seconds ahead of nearest rival Daniele Di Luca.

Felipe Massa's horror crash

The inherent danger of Formula One was brought into sharp focus once again at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July when Ferrari driver Massa was struck on the head by a bouncing suspension spring from Rubens Barrichello's car. Massa veered into a crash barrier before being airlifted to hospital in Budapest where he underwent surgery to his left eye. His condition was described as life-threatening but stable. Fortunately Massa has since recovered and is expected to continue racing, but the damage sustained to his helmet served as a poignant reminder of the risks drivers face on the track.

Thierry Henry's handball

Rarely has a sporting superstar experienced a more spectacular fall from grace or rapid decline in popularity than the France striker following his blatant handball during the World Cup qualifying play-off against the Republic of Ireland. Against the odds, the Irish had scored at the Stade de France, forcing extra-time, but with penalties on the horizon, Henry controlled a cross with his hand, twice for good measure, before setting up William Gallas to net the decisive goal. It was over in a split second, but the fallout lasted weeks with Henry widely branded a cheat and the Irish FA unsuccessfully asking for a replay and then for a place at the World Cup as a 33rd team.

Tom Watson falls to pieces

After four amazing days at Turnberry, the unthinkable seemed about to happen: Tom Watson, at the age of 59, was about to win a record-equalling sixth Open Championship. But when his good-looking approach to the final green ran just through the back the veteran yipped unmistakably, ending up in a tie with Stewart Cink. The magic spell that had been cast over the week was shattered as Watson collapsed in the play-off, and sport was robbed of perhaps its greatest fairytale of all time.
Eurosport

Late heartache for St Etienne

St Etienne remain on the brink of the drop zone after a last-minute penalty from Eduardo condemned them to a 1-0 loss at Lens

The visitors had been looking good for a second point in as many games under new coach Christophe Galtier, but Blaise Matuidi brought down Tofilou Maoulida in the final minute and the Brazilian substitute made sure from the penalty spot.

The result leaves St Etienne just one point above the drop zone, while Lens have given themselves a cushion, moving up to 13th.

It was no more than the hosts deserved after they enjoyed the lion's share of the possession throughout the game.

St Etienne goalkeeper Jeremie Janot was a busy man, starting in the eighth minute when he made a brilliant save to keep out Alaedinne Yahia's header and then also deny Maoulida's rebound.

Yahia got another bite of the cherry, but put the shot wide.

Moments later, Boukari's header brought a fingertip save from Janot before the goalkeeper got to watch Moussa Sow's shot sail over.

Janot continued to star as he denied Maoulida one-on-one with his feet.

St Etienne's first chance did not come until the 37th minute, but Gelson Fernandes' fine effort from range was kept out by Vedran Runje.

The visitors started the second half more brightly, but Lens still got the chances, with Janot holding a header from Kanga Akale before Adil Hermach headed over.

St Etienne's Mouhamadou Dabo was lucky to get away with a nasty tackle on Abdoulrazak Boukari in the 70th minute, which forced the Lens player off.

But moments later St Etienne almost scored as Gonzalo Bergessio broke through the defence to cross for Cedric Varrault, but his diving header went just over.

Janot looked like he had denied Lens the win with one more save five minutes from time, keeping out Eric Chelle's header before Akale sent the rebound over.

But Matuidi's foul gave Lens the chance they needed for the win.

United open talks over 75m move for Marseille Ben Arfa

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit for France international Hatem Ben Arfa and are reportedly in talks over a £7.5million move to sign the controversial Marseille winger.

According to reports in France, the Barclays Premier League champions are locked in negotiations to secure the promising 22-year-old talent, whom L'OM are looking to offload after a recent bust-up between the midfielder and boss Didier Deschamps.
Everton and Birmingham are among a list of potential suitors and Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be keen to send Ben Arfa out on loan to enhance his experience of English football before introducing him to his first team plans next term.

Breakthrough act: Hatem Ben Arfa has been linked with a £7.5m switch to United
With seven caps and one goal to his name with Les Bleus, the winger, who made his Champions League debut against Unitedas a substitute in 2004, has previously courted interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson: I hope Fulham defeat will not cost Manchester United the title

Ligue 1 round-up

Three goals in the first half an hour gave Lille their fifth win in a row as a 3-0 success over Le Mans lifted them up to third in the Ligue 1 table.

They might have had more had Florent Balmont not missed a 14th minute penalty, moments after Aurelien Chedjou had put them in front with a header.

Gervinho added a second in the 27th minute before Eden Hazard completed the scoring with only 29 minutes gone.

The in-form hosts started the game at a fast pace, with Hazard the first to try his luck from just outside the area, with Didier Ovono making the save.

They led in the 12th minute when Hazard's free-kick found Chedjou who headed into the corner of the goal to leave Ovono with no chance this time.

They should have doubled the lead moments later when Gervinho was hauled down inside the area by Ibrahima Camara, but Balmont's penalty crashed back off the crossbar and was cleared.

Lille's second came in the 27th minute, with Hazard again involved as he turned to feed Gervinho, and the Brazilian's clever finish beat Ovono.

The game was effectively over when Hazard's superb solo effort - which saw him run from the halfway line, racing past Joao Paulo and Gregory Cerdan - flew past Ovono and into the net.

Lyon further undermined their chances of recapturing the Ligue 1 title after a 1-1 draw at Monaco dropped them 10 points behind leaders Bordeaux.

Seven-times champions Lyon, who lost their crown to Bordeaux last May, started well, Brazilian midfielder Michel Bastos putting them ahead with a super angled free kick on 22 minutes.

The home side, however, earned a share of the points when Korean forward Park Chu-young volleyed home a Sebastien Puygrenier headed pass 12 minutes later.

Roy Contout's late leveller earned Auxerre a point against Toulouse - their third league draw in a row.

Luan had given Toulouse the lead, somewhat against the run of play, with his first Ligue 1 goal as they sought to recover from their midweek Europa League exit.

Les Violets looked like holding on until Etienne Didot was dismissed for a second yellow five minutes from time.

France coach Raymond Domenech must be replaced

Guy Chambily, a member of the French Football Federation's federal council, has called for national coach Raymond Domenech to be removed from his post.

Domenech has come under fire from several quarters in France despite leading the nation to next summer's World Cup finals.

Since his appointment after Euro 2004, Domenech has twice been given a vote of confidence by the FFF, including in October this year following a disappointing qualifying campaign for the World Cup 2010.

A controversial victory over the Republic of Ireland in last month's play-off hardly helped Domenech's cause, and Chambily believes the coach has now run out of lifelines.

"I have two goals," the 77-year-old said in an interview with France Football. "The departure of Raymond Domenech from his position as coach and the protection of (FFF president) Jean-Pierre Escalettes, a really good man who I know has been affected, even traumatised, by this situation we find ourselves in.

"But the image of the France team, that of the federation, the president and the federal board have become totally farcical. I know the majority don't want to keep Domenech any more.

"Bit by bit, all those loyal to Escalettes have believed everything they've been told, but at some point they have to know how to say stop.

"I am certain that they are in favour of the eviction of Domenech."

Chambily is also surprised Domenech has been given the chance to lead France at the World Cup, as he understood the coach's deal would end after the qualifying campaign.

"His contract was for World Cup qualification," Chambily added. "That was his mission. They assure me today that, since he's qualified the France team, he will automatically lead them during the finals.

"That's news to me. The federal council certainly didn't know about that clause."

Ligue 1 round-up

Laurent Blanc's Bordeaux recorded a 1-0 win over Paris St-Germain to move four points clear at the top of Ligue 1, while Montpellier moved second after beating Le Mans.

Marseille defeated Nice, Rennes won at home against Lorient, Ste Etienne and Sochaux played out a stalemate, and Valenciennes impressed against Monaco.

Jaroslav Plasil scored the only goal of the game after 23 minutes for defending champions Bordeaux in a 1-0 win over PSG.

Montpellier had earlier moved into second place with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Le Mans.

Karim Ait-Fana opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute but Anthony Le Tallec surprisingly levelled for Le Mans after Mathieu Dossevi had been sent off.

However, Lilian Compan grabbed the winner 18 minutes from time to send Montpellier soaring and keep their opponents firmly in the bottom three.

Two goals in the final 13 minutes earned Marseille a 3-1 win away to 10-man Nice in the Mediterranean derby.

Lucho Gonzalez and Bakari Kone netted late on as Didier Deschamps' side made their numerical advantage count.

Mamadou Niang had put the visitors in front only for Kafoumba Coulibaly to equalise just after the half-hour mark, but Nice's cause was not helped by the dismissal of Onyekachi Apam on the stroke of half-time.

Valenciennes continued their impressive season with a 3-1 victory over Monaco to go third in the table.

The home side left it late to secure the three points after Nene had cancelled out David Ducourtioux's opener.

Mamadou Samassa put the hosts back in front five minutes from time and Fahid ben Khalfallah made sure in injury time.

Moussa Sow struck in the second minute as Rennes claimed a 1-0 victory against Lorient.

Rennes won a corner and although Asamoah Gyan's cross was met by goalkeeper Lionel Cappone at the near post, his attempted punched clearance was sent straight back past him and into the net by Sow.

St Etienne and Sochaux played out a tepid 0-0 draw.

Wendel staying put

Bordeaux midfielder Wendel would like to finish his career with the French champions, but he has given up on ever playing for Brazil.

The 27-year-old's form has seen him previously linked with clubs such as Spurs, Benfica and Napoli.

But the player, who signed from Nacional in 2006, says he would like to finish his career with Les Girondins.

He told L'Equipe: "Since my arrival at Bordeaux I have told myself that I should stay with the club for as long as possible, and why not terminate my career here?

Stability
"I like stability and I have found the right club."

But Wendel admits he has given up on ever playing for his national side after never receiving a call, despite his good form.

"I thought about the Brazilian team in 2007-8. I was convinced I would get a call as I achieved my best season," he said.

"Brazil tried a lot of players, but not me. I was very sad.


Forgotten it
"Now, 90 per cent of the team has been built. I have forgotten about it."

Bordeaux are currently second in Ligue 1, one point off Auxerre at the summit, although they have lost their last two games domestically.

But Les Girondins are undefeated so far in the UEFA Champions League and Wendel admits the side raise their game in Europe.

He said: "Four defeats so far (in Ligue 1) is a lot. However, we remain very close in the rankings so there is no reason to panic or change everything.

"It is true that in the Champions League we are more focused and stronger. That doesn't mean we are less motivated domestically - we just raise up our level a little more in the Champions League."

Boumsong back in business

Lyon defender Jean-Alain Boumsong is nearing a comeback after almost three months on the sidelines.

The former Rangers and Juventus defender has only featured twice for the French side this term after struggling with first a groin strain before picking up an ankle knock.

The 29-year-old now has his sights on winning back his place in the Lyon side before targeting a place in Raymond Domenech's France squad for South Africa next summer.

Boumsong told skysports.com: "It is great to be back playing after an ankle injury like that in three months you sometimes doubt yourself to come at a very good level, the level you were at before.

"However, it is great to be with your mates training and knowing you have a chance over the weekend.

"I feel fine and ready to defend for my team. Hopefully there won't be anymore problems, till June, then I can force my way back into the France team as well."

Triaud waits on Chamakh

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud admits he remains in the dark about whether Marouane Chamakh will sign a new contract.

Chamakh's current deal expires at the end of the season and the Morocco international has been offered terms to stay with Bordeaux.

He recently revealed that he would not rush into a decision over his future amid speculation he could move to the Premier League next summer.

Arsenal, Sunderland and West Ham United have all shown an interest in the 25-year-old in the past, while Manchester United have recently been linked with a bid.

Triaud confirmed there have been no developments regarding Chamakh's future and acknowledged it is up to the front man whether he stays with the French champions.

"There is nothing new on that case so far," Triaud told Le Quotidien du Foot.

"Am I confident? I must admit I don't know what to say.

"Our improved contract offer is still valid. Now, it depends on him, rather than on me.

"You will have to ask him the question. It is up to him to make the decision."

Tabanou ready to sign

Toulouse starlet Franck Tabanou has told skysports that he is ready to sign a new contract.

The midfield prospect has been earning plaudits all season and a number of clubs are tracking him.

West Ham were known admirers, whilst more recently Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are also reported to have made enquiries with the Pink City club.

But Tabanou is more than happy with life in the South of France and he is ready to sign a three-and-half-year deal.

"There is not much to do, I am flattered by interest from Premier League, but to be honest I am still young and I will sign till 2013," Tabanou told skysports.com.

"Toulouse will give me a chance to perform at the top level and to learn more before one day I move to a bigger league with a top club.

"It is a dream to play for a top club for any footballer."