Belhanda eyes Champions League

Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda says he will only leave the club for a team playing in the Champions League.

Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda says he will only leave the club for a team playing in the Champions League.

The Morocco international was heavily linked with Fenerbahce and Inter during the January transfer window, while Liverpool and Tottenham have been rumoured to be interested.

Belhanda even agreed terms on a deal to join Fenerbahce in January but a move failed to materialise and he stayed with the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

He told Canal+: “For now the Middle Eastern countries do not interest me. I’m only looking at clubs playing in the Champions League. I’m a competitor. In Spain, England, Italy and Germany, there are many great clubs.”

Belhanda also offered a possible explanation as to why Montpellier have been unable to replicate the good form of last season – the club are currently sixth in the league, 13 points from top spot.

He added: “It’s tough physically because we were playing every three days. We were not used to that in Montpellier but it is a good experience.”