Briand wants Premier League move; Romeu joins Stuggart on loan

Former Olympique Lyonnais forward Jimmy Briand wants to secure a move to the English Premier League this summer.

Briand, who has won five internationals caps for France, is on the free agent market after his contract at the Stade de Gerland expired at the end of last season.

According to reports, several clubs across Europe are interested in the versatile 29-year-old attacker, who can play behind the main striker, on either wing or as a true No. 9.

“I should have come to England a long time ago as I got the opportunities to go there, but I never went and I regret my decision,” Briand, who tallied six goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon last season, told Sky Sports.

“I have scored lots of goals at Rennes and Lyon and I could have scored more if I was played up front rather than on the right, on the left and behind the striker.

“I am looking forward to playing as a striker and if I play there on a regular basis I am confident I will score goals for whoever I join.”

The player’s agent Willie McKay added: “I signed a contract with Jimmy recently and he is looking to move to England,” said McKay.

“He is one of the best free agents around as he has played at the highest level for club and country and he played with Bafetimbi Gomis at Lyon who was also a free transfer this summer.

“If played in the right position as a striker he will score goals for the right club.”

McKay also represents Scotland international striker Ross McCormack, who left Leeds United for Fulham in a deal reporteldy worth £11 million earlier this summer.

I think it is safe to say Briand made the right decision in leaving JP Management for McKay.

Now then, where will Briand ply his trade next season? A move to Newcastle, who can no longer rely on Loïc Rémy, seems to make a lot of sense.

Romeu joins Stuggart on loan

Chelsea F.C. have loaned Oriol Romeu to Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart for the upcoming 2014/15 campaign.

Romeu, who joined the Blues from Barcelona for an initial fee of  €5 million in 2011, spent last season on loan at Valencia, impressing but not enough to stay with the first-team at Stamford Bridge.

The arrival of Cesc Fabregas was always going to make Romeu surplus to requirements in West London.

After being handed a new three-year deal by the club earlier this summer, a loan switch was the only option for the player and the club.

“Romeu has collected some experience in two top European leagues despite his young age and will help Stuttgart as it seeks to improve on last season’s disappointing showing,” said Stuttgart manager Armin Veh.