Montpellier coach Michel der Zakarian has replied to reports that Premier League club Burnley has made a £10 million bid for Maxime Esteve.
It is not uncommon for a player who is dealing with rumors about his future to be pulled from the matchday squad, with his club stating that the player is not ‘in the correct frame of mind’.
There appear to be no such fears at Montpellier, despite reports from L’Equipe that Burnley are close to a £10 million deal to bring Maxime Esteve across the Channel.
Montpellier hosts Lille on Sunday afternoon.
And head coach Michel der Zakarian says that, unless something significant changes in the next 24 hours, Esteve will be part of his preparations for Paulo Fonsenca’s visit.
Burnley linked with Montpellier ace Maxime Esteve
“Why wouldn’t he play (against Lille)?” Der Zakarian informs Foot National. “He is playing against Lille. If there is a departure, we will see. “For the time being, he will play.”
The head coach also insists that Esteve’s move to Turf Moor would not be completed until the final few days of the transfer window, with negotiations postponed until next week.
“If he leaves, it will be on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday,” Der Zakarian adds. “I wish he stayed here.
If the club makes a good offer and he needs to leave, we must be able to replace him, and we wish him well and good luck.
“He is not at all disturbed (by the speculation).”
Clarets make Callum O’Hare offer
A 6ft 4in central defender from France Esteve, an under-21 international, would join Burnley to reinforce a defence that has conceded 42 Premier League goals under Vincent Kompany. Only Sheffield United, who are at the bottom of the table, have had more breaches.
According to HITC Football, the Clarets have also made a bid for Coventry City talisman Callum O’Hare, while Leeds are interested in right-back Connor Roberts. Burnley have also been connected with Marseille’s £15 million-rated enforcer Pape Gueye, who has been confirmed as free to depart by president Pablo Longoria.
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