Ibrahimovic: I'm still getting better

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he is only getting better as the Swede reportedly inches closer to a Manchester United move.

The 34-year-old is coming off another impressive campaign at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 50 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions.

Ibrahimovic, who is preparing for Euro 2016 with Sweden, is reportedly close to sealing a move to Old Trafford as his next destination.

The striker said he was still getting better despite approaching his 35th birthday.

"Whether I am 34 or 35, I have never had a better season than this," Ibrahimovic told the Daily Mirror.

"I am still developing as a player, but it is all about getting the job done - and I do a hell of a job."

Ibrahimovic said he had proven he was still capable of performing, having helped PSG to four straight Ligue 1 titles.

"I have proved that I still have a young mind," he said.

"The mental part is 50 per cent of football and that has never been a problem for me."

Ibrahimovic and Co. will take on Belgium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland in Group E at Euro 2016, which starts on June 10.

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Ibrahimovic agrees Personal terms with Manchester

Sweden will allow Zlatan Ibrahimovic to leave their Euro 2016 training camp to sign for Manchester United.

Reports on Saturday suggested the striker has agreed personal terms at Old Trafford, though Sportsmail understands his agent Mino Raiola is in Monte Carlo on other business and, despite Jose Mourinho's interest in his former charge, the deal is not yet complete.

However, United still expect the maverick forward to make the switch to the Premier League and Sweden boss Erik Hamren indicated he would be happy to allow Ibrahimovic out to complete a move on one of his days off.

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Lyon confirm Barcelona approach for Umtiti

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed Barcelona have made an approach for Samuel Umtiti, but has stressed a transfer is still far away at this stage.

Recent reports from Spain suggested the 22-year-old is on the verge of signing a five-year deal with Barcelona, with the Catalans keen to bring in a replacement for Borussia Dortmund-bound Marc Bartra.

However, Aulas has insisted Barcelona have not followed up on their initial approach yet.

"Barcelona have approached us about Umtiti about 10 days ago," Aulas told Eurosport.

"But there are no negotiations taking place yet. Samuel is not on the verge of leaving the club."

Meanwhile, Umtiti's agent and brother Yannick was also adamant the transfer is by no means a done deal yet.

"I do not know where the information that it is already a done deal is coming from," he stated.

"There has not been contact with Barcelona yet. We are not negotiating about a transfer to Barcelona."

Umtiti, who was added to the France squad for Euro 2016 to replace the injured Jeremy Mathieu, has a contract with Lyon until June 2019.

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Genesio agrees extension at Lyon

Bruno Genesio has been rewarded with a three-year contract after guiding Lyon to second place in Ligue 1 last season.

The 49-year-old took charge in December 2015 after the departure of Hubert Fournier, and led Lyon to 12 league wins in 19 matches.

Lyon's form in the second half of the campaign proved decisive as they pipped Monaco and Nice to second, securing an automatic spot in next season's Champions League group stage.

And Genesio will be given the chance to build on that impressive record after agreeing a new deal until 2019.

He said:  "I am very proud to extend my contract in light of my initial work with the club," he told a media conference. "I thank the president for his confidence.

"The head coach hopes to keep the majority of his squad together heading into the new campaign, despite growing interest in the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Samuel Umtiti.

"I asked the president to keep the backbone of the team [together]. I hope to keep the majority of the team.

"We will do everything to keep the players, but also try not to deny a player if he receives the proposal of a lifetime."

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Ben Arfa wants to match Messi, Ronaldo

Nice attacker Hatem Ben Arfa is confident he has what it takes to reach the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ben Arfa enjoyed an impressive 2015-16 campaign, leading Nice to fourth place in the Ligue 1 table with 17 goals in 34 games.

It was not enough to earn him a berth in the France squad for Euro 2016 on home soil, but that disappointment has not stopped the former Lyon, Marseille and Newcastle man from setting some lofty targets.

"I am far away from reaching the level of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but I still have a number of years to catch them. That is my goal," the 29-year-old told Le Parisien.

"I am not at my best just yet. Everything is possible for me. I feel like I am 24 or 25. I am at an age where I have matured. I have developed and I am ready to take the next step.

"I have found a new strength. I have found peace and tranquillity. I am still getting better and working hard to get there. I am convinced that I will get there.

"There are a lot of similarities between Messi and me, the way we dribble and look out there on the pitch. But we each have our own game.

"I am fully focused on football right now. I had a different focus before. This is all part of my development."

Barcelona and Lyon among the clubs rumoured to interested in signing Ben Arfa on a free transfer when his contract with Nice expires at the end of June.

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France midfielder Diarra hit with €10million fine

Lassana Diarra must pay a EUR10million fine to former club Lokomotiv Moscow after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled he had breached his contract.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star joined Lokomotiv from Anzhi Makhachkala during the 2013-14 season, but refused to turn up for training following a salary cut and a fallout with head coach Leonid Kuchuk - who was sacked in August 2014 - and went on to quit the club.

Lokomotiv took the case to FIFA and the midfielder then spent 15 months out of football without pay prior to joining Marseille last July as he was initially unable to join another team after his exit because of the contract dispute.

CAS has now ruled Diarra must pay EUR10m to the Russian Premier League club as well as EUR110,000 in court costs, with the player accepting the decision.

Diarra, 31, announced the verdict himself on Twitter, adding: "I take note of CAS' decision and I want to thank all the people that have backed me during this difficult time.

"As I have said, it has been a challenge and I would not wish that on any other player. 

"I accept it and take full responsibility, as I have always done in the past. It is a closed chapter and it is now time for me to concentrate on the France team at the Euros which takes place in my country."

Diarra is in France's Euro 2016 squad after a bounce-back season with Marseille which saw him named in the Ligue 1 Team of 2015-16.

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Bordeaux announce Gourvennec as new coach

Bordeaux have announced that Jocelyn Gourvennec has been appointed as the club's new head coach.

An agreement for the 44-year-old to take charge at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium was confirmed on Friday.

"The club has found its new coach in Jocelyn Gourvennec," a statement issued by Bordeaux read. "Girondins de Bordeaux have reached an agreement with Guingamp for his arrival."

Bordeaux parted company with Willy Sagnol in March and, although interim boss Ulrich Rame successfully steered them clear of Ligue 1 relegation, they have continued to search for a replacement.

Former Nice boss Claude Puel and Club Brugge coach Michel Preud'homme had been heavily linked with the role.

Gourvennec, who took charge of Guingamp in 2010, guided them to promotion back to Ligue 2 a year later and into the top flight in 2013, before securing a remarkable Coupe de France win in 2014.

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'Mourinho can take United back to the top' - Ibrahimovic hints at Old Trafford switch

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had reporters in the palm of his hand as he teased a potential move to Manchester United at a news conference on Thursday, praising the club's imminent appointment of Jose Mourinho.

The Sweden international - set to leave Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of his contract - suggested he was keen on a reunion with the former Chelsea boss, who is expected to be named as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford this week.

Speaking as Sweden prepare for Euro 2016, Ibrahimovic - who worked with Mourinho at Inter - playfully fanned the flames of speculation and revealed he has already made up his mind on where to go next.

"I think it's great [that Manchester United could appoint Mourinho]," he said. "You want action, you bring Mourinho.

"I believe he is the man to bring them back to the top and he knows what he is doing

"I had a great time [with him at Inter]. If we have the chance to work together again, I don't know - let's see how it plays out.

"The future is written. I made my choice a long time ago. I just have to push the button.

"I have spoken with him every day since I left Inter. There are concrete offers from the Premier League, but I don't give guarantees."

Asked specifically whether he had been made an offer by United, Ibrahimovic, after chuckling his way through a long pause, said: "Let's see what happens."

The 34-year-old also dismissed any concerns about whether his advancing years affected his ability to play at the highest level.

Ibrahimovic continued: "I'm only warming up. I have proved age is just a number. Everything is in your head. If I want to make it I will do it."

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'Mourinho can take United back to the top' - Ibrahimovic hints at Old Trafford switch

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had reporters in the palm of his hand as he teased a potential move to Manchester United at a news conference on Thursday, praising the club's imminent appointment of Jose Mourinho.

The Sweden international - set to leave Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of his contract - suggested he was keen on a reunion with the former Chelsea boss, who is expected to be named as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford this week.

Speaking as Sweden prepare for Euro 2016, Ibrahimovic - who worked with Mourinho at Inter - playfully fanned the flames of speculation and revealed he has already made up his mind on where to go next.

"I think it's great [that Manchester United could appoint Mourinho]," he said. "You want action, you bring Mourinho.

"I believe he is the man to bring them back to the top and he knows what he is doing

"I had a great time [with him at Inter]. If we have the chance to work together again, I don't know - let's see how it plays out.

"The future is written. I made my choice a long time ago. I just have to push the button.

"I have spoken with him every day since I left Inter. There are concrete offers from the Premier League, but I don't give guarantees."

Asked specifically whether he had been made an offer by United, Ibrahimovic, after chuckling his way through a long pause, said: "Let's see what happens."

The 34-year-old also dismissed any concerns about whether his advancing years affected his ability to play at the highest level.

Ibrahimovic continued: "I'm only warming up. I have proved age is just a number. Everything is in your head. If I want to make it I will do it."

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Ben Arfa wants Lyon move - Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas believes Nice star Hatem Ben Arfa has set his sights on a return to the club, but has acknowledged they could miss out on the 29-year-old as they cannot match the wages on offer at Europe's top clubs.

Ben Arfa is available on a free transfer come July and recently revealed that 18 clubs have shown an interest in signing him following his stellar 2015-16 campaign with Nice, including La Liga champions Barcelona.

Aulas thinks Ben Arfa personally prefers a return to his boyhood club, but feels his representatives are pushing for a move elsewhere.

"We have to take the economic situation into consideration," Aulas told the official Lyon website.

"Europe's biggest clubs are after Hatem's signature.

"But I would love it if he returned to Lyon. He would fit into our formation, but he is also in Lyon's heart.

"I know that he loves Lyon and wants to return here, but he will have to convince his agents."

Ben Arfa won four Ligue 1 titles with Lyon between 2004-05 and 2007-08, before leaving the club for Marseille. He also wore the jerseys of Newcastle United and Hull City before joining Nice a year ago.

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Eder the real deal for Lille

Eder has agreed terms on a permanent switch from Swansea City to Lille, signing a four-year deal with the Ligue 1 club.

The Portugal international - who has been named in Fernando Santos' final Euro 2016 squad - moved to Lille on loan from Swansea at the start of February.

Having made only two Premier League starts at the Liberty Stadium, he reaped the benefits of regular playing time in Ligue 1, netting six goals in 13 appearances.

And the 28-year-old has been rewarded with a four-year contract, which was confirmed on Tuesday.

"His signing is good for the present and the future of Lille," said head coach Frederic Antonetti.

"Eder, we learned to know, to appreciate, and I am very happy today he belongs to the club.

"We saw all the difficulties that existed in recruiting a good centre forward. So we did everything to keep Eder. And as he liked Lille, we took advantage of that. "

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Favre takes over as Puel and Nice part ways

Nice have appointed Lucien Favre as their new head coach, replacing Claude Puel, who left by mutual consent earlier on Tuesday.

Despite a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 this season, Nice and Puel decided to part ways, with Favre signing a three-year deal.

"Lucien Favre is the new coach of Nice! The Swiss technician is committed to three years, and will be officially presented late Wednesday afternoon," a statement read.

Favre resigned from his post at Borussia Monchengladbach in September, having lost the opening five games of 2015-16.

Puel, who was appointed by Nice in 2012, guided the club to fourth in his final season, securing Europa League football for 2016-17, inspired by the rejuvenated Hatem Ben Arfa, who scored 17 Ligue 1 goals last season, but is not expected to extend his one-year contract.

Success has not tempted the club or Puel to extend his stay, as confirmed in a joint statement on Tuesday.

"We had planned to meet once the season was completed, with a cool head and clear ideas to take stock and discuss the future," it read.

"At the end of this turn of rich and constructive overview, we took, by common consent, the decision not to continue working.

"Our common history ends today with deep respect. And with job satisfaction. We lived four seasons of intense emotions, and took considerable pleasure to jointly develop the sports project at Nice.

"We are so grateful to each other for this great human and sporting adventure that began in 2012.

"While a page is turned, Nice and Claude Puel, true to their ambitions, wish the best for the future."

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Motta warns PSG over Ronaldo, Neymar interest

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta has questioned whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar could offer the same leadership qualities as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo has been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 champions for much of the past year, despite insistence from agent Jorge Mendes that he will finish his career in the Spanish capital.

Neymar, meanwhile, is a rumoured target for a number of Europe's biggest clubs, with protracted talks over a new contract at Camp Nou still yet to be resolved.

With Ibrahimovic having decided to leave PSG at the end of his contract, speculation over a possible bid for Ronaldo or Neymar has increased in recent weeks, but Motta is unsure whether either could fill the Sweden star's shoes.

"Ronaldo and Neymar are important names that make the difference on the field, but I would like to see if they know how to behave like a team leader as Ibra did," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Otherwise, the team is likely to regress."

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has publicly backed Edinson Cavani to emerge from Ibrahimovic's shadow and become the star forward for Laurent Blanc's side.

And Motta has backed the Uruguay international to become a more useful team player if he moves in off the wing to become the spearhead of the attack.

"Cavani can seize the opportunity to become the next central striker," he said. "I hope he can tune in with the team a lot better there."

Motta, who turns 34 in August, admits that next season could be his last as a player and is keen to become a coach as soon as he retires.

"Like Ibrahimovic, I will freely assess my options," he added. "If I keep playing well, I'll stay with PSG or go elsewhere. Otherwise I will study to become a coach."

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Koke: Why would I want to leave Atletico?

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke reiterated his desire to remain with the Spanish giants amid speculation linking him to the Premier League.

Koke has emerged as a reported target for incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, while Jose Mourinho - expected to be announced as the new Manchester United manager in the coming days - is apparently an admirer of the 24-year-old. 

The central midfielder has established himself as one of the key figures in Diego Simeone's Atletico side, having already made over 250 appearances for the La Liga club since his promotion from the youth set-up in 2009. 

However, Koke insists he wants to stay in Madrid, admitting money is no factor in any potential move. 

"To be an Atleti player is the best there is. You always have to be Atleti, in the good times and in the bad," the Spain international said on Onda Cero's Al Primer Toque.

"Atleti is special. It is a family, everyone supports one another. 

"I am not looking for more money, I am happy where I am, I am in my home. 

"I am playing for the team that has looked after me since I was very little. A lot of times you don't move for money. 

"For a hundred and something years Atletico Madrid has been among the best. 

"How can I leave? Why would I want to lose all of this?"

Koke and Co. are preparing to face bitter rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League on Saturday, a rematch of the 2014 decider in which the latter prevailed 4-1 after extra time. 

"We know that to play in the final of the Champions League throughout your career is something incredible, and we will play in two and truthfully it is very emotional," Koke added.

"[Madrid] were champions two years and nobody is going to take that away from them. This is a new opportunity that all Atletico players want to take with all the enthusiasm in the world."

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Fofana could retire aged 25 - Lyon president

Lyon midfielder Gueida Fofana could retire from football at the age of 25, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Fofana - who joined Lyon from Le Havre in 2011 - has seen just 41 minutes of Ligue 1 action in the past two seasons due to serious hyaline cartilage and malleolar injuries.

He was on the bench in Lyon's 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in February but did not feature all season, and Aulas hinted Fofana's time as a footballer may be up. 

"Gueida Fofana has not played for a very long time," Aulas told OLTV. 

"I will have a discussion with him during the week. 

"We are going to ask about the rest of his career. 

"I can see him becoming a great trainer or educator."

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'Free agent' Diarra wants Mourinho reunion

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Lassana Diarra has claimed he can leave Marseille on a free transfer and has set his sights on a reunion with Jose Mourinho amid speculation he is set to take charge of Manchester United.

Marseille finished a miserable campaign 13th in Ligue 1, and Diarra has revealed that their failure to secure European football allows him to leave for nothing.

Diarra previously worked with Mourinho at Chelsea between 2005 and 2007, before being reunited with the Portuguese coach at Real Madrid in 2010.

Mourinho now appears to be on his way to United following the departure of Louis van Gaal on Monday and Diarra is seemingly open to a move to Old Trafford, dismissing claims he has already agreed terms with PSG in the process.

"I am a free agent," the 31-year-old told L'Equipe. "There is a clause in my contract that allows me to leave if we did not qualify for European football.

"I do not want to enter a war with Marseille and I don't think there will be one. I hope Marseille will stick to their word.

"I will never forget Marseille and the fans, who showed me a lot of affection. I do not know yet where I will play next season. I am calm about my future, there's time. I have not signed for PSG.

"Mourinho? I know him well. I have enjoyed some great times with him. He is a coach I really like. But we will see what happens next season."

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Van der Wiel takes aim at Blanc after PSG exit

Gregory van der Wiel has hit out at Laurent Blanc after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Netherlands international is due to leave PSG after four years with the Ligue 1 champions.

Van der Wiel made well over 100 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club, but he often had to settle for a spot on the bench in big games.

The right-back has now slammed Blanc for his poor communication and has suggested he would have stayed put had it not been for the 50-year-old.

"I would have loved to stay at PSG, but I think everyone understands my decision to leave," Van der Wiel told Eurosport.

"I always gave my all to try to win a starting berth. But it's proof that the coach does not really believe in you when you are on the bench even when others are not available.

"We never really talked to each other. Not at all to be honest. I don't think Blanc likes to talk with his players. He never told me why I was second choice or third choice. Maybe I could have understood things had he explained it to me.

"I felt really bad about that. I was really disappointed, because I think I am good enough to play in the Champions League.

"I think the people will understand why I don't want to stay in this situation. I prefer to go to a club where the coach does believe in me and where I will play regularly."

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Van der Wiel takes aim at Blanc after PSG exit

Gregory van der Wiel has hit out at Laurent Blanc after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Netherlands international is due to leave PSG after four years with the Ligue 1 champions.

Van der Wiel made well over 100 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club, but he often had to settle for a spot on the bench in big games.

The right-back has now slammed Blanc for his poor communication and has suggested he would have stayed put had it not been for the 50-year-old.

"I would have loved to stay at PSG, but I think everyone understands my decision to leave," Van der Wiel told Eurosport.

"I always gave my all to try to win a starting berth. But it's proof that the coach does not really believe in you when you are on the bench even when others are not available.

"We never really talked to each other. Not at all to be honest. I don't think Blanc likes to talk with his players. He never told me why I was second choice or third choice. Maybe I could have understood things had he explained it to me.

"I felt really bad about that. I was really disappointed, because I think I am good enough to play in the Champions League.

"I think the people will understand why I don't want to stay in this situation. I prefer to go to a club where the coach does believe in me and where I will play regularly."

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Sirigu: PSG wanted me out

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu said the French champions tried to force him out of the club, while claiming he has never been in a "healthy" competition with team-mate Kevin Trapp.

Sirigu played second fiddle to German keeper Trapp this season, managing just two Ligue 1 starts as PSG claimed a fourth successive league crown.

The Italy international, who was displaced as number one following Trapp's arrival at the start of the campaign, came close to leaving PSG in January but the 29-year-old has taken aim at PSG, accusing them of trying to engineer his move away from the French capital.

"PSG wanted to put me outside of the club," Sirigu said in an interview with L'Equipe.

"I never have been in a 'healthy' competition with Kevin Trapp.

"I was disappointed. The issue was not the fact I was not playing but that no one took me into consideration.

"I don't want to have a similar year next year, but I still have two years left of contract."

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Sirigu: PSG wanted me out

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu said the French champions tried to force him out of the club, while claiming he has never been in a "healthy" competition with team-mate Kevin Trapp.

Sirigu played second fiddle to German keeper Trapp this season, managing just two Ligue 1 starts as PSG claimed a fourth successive league crown.

The Italy international, who was displaced as number one following Trapp's arrival at the start of the campaign, came close to leaving PSG in January but the 29-year-old has taken aim at PSG, accusing them of trying to engineer his move away from the French capital.

"PSG wanted to put me outside of the club," Sirigu said in an interview with L'Equipe.

"I never have been in a 'healthy' competition with Kevin Trapp.

"I was disappointed. The issue was not the fact I was not playing but that no one took me into consideration.

"I don't want to have a similar year next year, but I still have two years left of contract."

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