Rennes plot double swoop in defense with Kevin Danso and Lilian Brassier

Rennes are keen to bolster their defensive options with the double signing of Lens’ Kevin Danso (26) and of Brest loanee Lilian Brassier (25), according to Le Parisien and L’Equipe. Les Rouge et Noir are currently in pole position to acquire the 25-year-old Brassier. The French centre-back has been loaned out to Ligue 1 rivals Marseille but he is nowhere near the level that earned him a loan move to Marseille with an obligation to buy set at €12m.

L’Equipe adds that Rennes are in talks with Marseille and Brest in order to find a solution that will suit all parties. It’s quite clear now that Brassier has now immediate future under the tutelage of Roberto De Zerbi while Brest also intend to cash in on a player who has still eighteen months on his contract. Rennes also need to sign an experienced centre-back given their shortcomings at the back.

Rennes’ pursuit of Brassier is all the more critical for head coach Jorge Sampaoli because the Bretons have hit a slump in their quest to sign Danso. Lens are holding firm for a €30m total transfer package for the Austrian international centre-back and have already turned down €22m bids from Wolves and Rennes. The former Southampton centre-back would reportedly favor a move to the Premier League rather than Rennes.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval