Stade Brestois are set to retain Pierre Lees-Melou (30), despite interest from Breton rivals Stade Rennais, the club’s president Denis Le Saint has revealed.
After an incredible first half of the season, Brest’s players are garnering attention this January. Whilst Lilian Brassier could leave the club, according to Le Saint, Les Pirates are not open to parting ways with Lees-Melou, who only signed a contract extension until 2027 in November.
Lees-Melou is the subject of considerable interest from Rennes, who are in the market for a replacement for Nemanja Matić. The Serbian midfielder left Brittany in order to force through a transfer, and whilst he has now returned, it is nonetheless expected that he will leave the club this month.
However, Les Rennais may have to look elsewhere for a replacement for Matić. Le Saint said that Lees-Melou will still be at the club come the end of the month, adding, “We were prepared for [Rennes’ interest]. We want to plan for the long term with Pierre […] he is the artisan of the team’s good results at the start of the season,” Le Saint told Prime Video Sport during Brest’s 2-0 victory over Montpellier on Sunday.
That stance has seemingly been accepted by Lees-Melou, who said, “We can’t predict the future. Stade Rennais are a very good club, you can’t deny that […] If I’m untransferable, then I won’t move.”
According to L’Équipe, Brest have already rejected a bid from Rennes for Lees-Melou. The bid is thought to be considerably below Brest’s €20m valuation of the former Norwich City midfielder.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
