GOURCUFF REJECTS RENNES DEAL - 1:58 PM, May. 22, 2006

Rennes playmaker Yoann Gourcuff has refused to extend his contract with the Breton club because he feels he is being treated like a financial pawn.

The 19-year-old midfielder's contract runs until June 2007, but with AC Milan, Arsenal, Lyon and Paris St Germain believed to be interested in his services, Gourcuff could be on the move this summer.

"I feel like I am an object and I have big doubts about whether Rennes will to push me to the top," he told Ouest-France.

"I was offered a two-year contract but the club wants to sell me only one year after to make money. I have heard about better sporting projects.

"I don't know what will happen for me in the near future but the only thing I am certain about is that I will not renew my contract with Rennes."

Gourcuff knows he has already attracted the interest of some of Europe's biggest clubs but is reluctant to leave France at such a young age.

"I am on the transfer list and I know that some foreign and French clubs want me," he added.

"But what worries me the most is the idea of moving abroad. If I have to go, I think it would be simpler if I joined a great French club."

Rennes missed out on a place in the Intertoto Cup after their 2-2 draw with Lille on Saturday meant they finished seventh in Ligue 1.