Lyon pushing to sign midfielder Guido Rodríguez from Real Betis

With Lyon still on the hunt for a number six before the end of the window, as requested by head coach Laurent Blanc, Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodríguez has now emerged as the club’s focus, according to a report tonight from L’Équipe.

The Argentine was among two Verdiblanco players that head of recruitment Matthieu Louis-Jean went out to meet last week, the other being Portugal international William Carvalho.

While the transfer and wage bill restrictions the club face make a move for the latter difficult, the 29-year-old World Cup winner appears a more realistic option. However, La Liga side are asking for a considerable fee to release him of the last year of his contract, and the transfer seems difficult to complete – although the club are still working on it.

Meanwhile, Les Gones are also reportedly close to signing Beninese midfielder Dodo Dokou for €500k from Egyptian side SC Smouha. The move, which was first reported by Burkina Faso-based website Sportdrome and confirmed by L’Équipe, would then see the 19-year-old loaned out to the John Textor-owned Belgian side Molenbeek.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin