Lyon Fc

Lyon Franck over Ribery offer

Lyon  president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed his interest in Marseille midfielder Franck Ribery.

The 23-year-old playmaker, who joined Jean Fernandez's side from Galatasaray last summer, has notched 10 goals this season, catching the eye with some impressive displays.

Ribery is strongly tipped to be in the France squad for the World Cup in Germany next month and Aulas revealed provisional discussions with the player's agent have already taken place.

Aulas said: "I don't want to embarrass Marseille but Ribery is an excellent player who has a chance to be picked for the World Cup.

"We have discussed this with his agent and he could be interested."

After another successful season, Lyon have reportedly made a 15 million euro (£10.2m) profit, which means the five-times Ligue 1 champions can dedicate 45 million euros (£30.7) to recruitment ahead of next season.

Ribery's agent Bruno Heiderscheid insists it is his "duty" to speak to Lyon, despite the fact he only recently extended his OM contract until 2010.

"This is my duty, to listen to what a club like Lyon have to say," he said. "They won the French title five times.

"I met with Mr Aulas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lyon have good points. Even if OM is a great club, it would be nonsense not to listen to what Lyon want."

Ribery insists he wants to remain at Marseille, but Heiderscheid has urged the Mediterranean giants to pull out all the stops if they want to keep him.

He said: "Franck has a four-year contract. If OM want to keep him - which is the player's first choice and mine too - they are going to have to make serious efforts."

"The objective is truly to stay at Marseille. But we are going to see how things evolve.

"Franck's level is so high that the greatest European clubs are interested in him, and not only Lyon.

"We must take everything into account."