Chimbonda Lyon move a non-starter

Jan 5 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

PASCAL Chimbonda’s agent says the prospect of him joining Lyon is now ‘dead’, but he has not closed the door on the right-back leaving the Stadium of Light.

Another Black Cats misfit, David Healy, apparently wants to stay on Wearside, though, despite rumoured interest from the club he supported as a boy.

Ricky Sbragia insisted last week Chimbonda is part of his plans, despite having been ostracised by predecessor Roy Keane and figuring little since his departure. Even though the former Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic defender was in the team which beat Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, doubts remain about his future. In November, when Keane was still at the helm, Chimbonda issued a come-and-get-me plea to French champions Lyon, who are looking to replace right-backs Anthony Reveillere and Francois Clerc, both suffering knee injuries.

But Chimbonda’s agent, Roger Boli, has apparently given up on his client joining Claude Puel’s side.

“It is dead, there has been nothing new from Lyon,” he said. “The problem Pascal has had is simply a communication problem within the club. We’re waiting, this situation will certainly move on.”

Healy has been under pressure from his Northern Ireland manager, Nigel Worthington, to demand a move having started only one League Cup game for Sunderland since joining in the summer. One of international football’s most prolific strikers has been touted as a possible target for Rangers, but agent Stephen Hughes insists his client wants to fight for his place at the Stadium of Light.

“David was also linked with Rangers in the summer and it never happened,” he said.

“It might just be because of someone saying: ‘Ah well, it will happen in the winter’. “He’s looking to get more games for Sunderland. It’s well known he’s a Rangers fan but he wants a bit of stability. There is always speculation, but I’m not aware of any firm interest in David.”

Once he decided to protect Phil Bardsley against a possible suspension, Sbragia had only four defenders to choose from against Bolton. Versatile Wigan defender Paul Scharner is the latest target they have been linked with.

Manchester City’s Tal Ben Haim and an ambitious move for Matthew Upson have also been mooted.