Lille close in on new defender

French daily L’Equipe has suggested that Nancy defender Julian Jeanvier is set to agree a summer switch to Lille.

Jeanvier, 20, has a contract that is due to expire at the end of the season and he is free to negotiate a Bosman deal with interested clubs.

According to L’Equipe, Lille are currently leading the race for the player’s signature, with les Dogues expected to close the deal in the coming days.

Jeanvier will arrive at Grand Stade Lille Metropole as a replacement for Aurelien Chedjou, who is widely tipped to leave the club at the end of the season.

The talented defender has only made 4 Ligue 1 appearances this season, but he seems to have done enough to attract attention of Rudi Garcia, one of the most talented coaches in France’s top flight.

Jeanvier had featured in 39 league matches for Nancy II before getting promoted to the first team set-up.