According to reports from The Express yesterday morning, Marseille president Vincente Labrune has ruled out selling star centre-back Nicolas N’Koulou this summer amid rumours of a move to the Premier League.
The versatile Cameroon international, equally adept in centre-back and defensive midfield, has just come to the end of yet another strong season in Ligue 1 – averaging 2.1 tackles, 3.3 interceptions, 6.6 clearances and 3.4 successful aerial duels per match – building upon his prior inclusions in the division’s Team of the Year for 2012 and 2013.
That, in combination with the 25 year-old’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, has attracted interest from the Premier League. The Express report on Arsenal’s interest in the 51-cap international, whilst Everton and Newcastle were linked by The Daily Mail in May.
But Marseille president Vincente Labrune has issued a hands-off warning to rumoured suitors of 5 foot 11 N’koulou, insisting the defender’s importance to the club surpasses that of finance.
“We know how important he is for us. What he brings us on the pitch is more important than money in a transfer,” he said.
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