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Lyon to keep Cris and Toulanan

LYON — French first division side Lyon are to offer new contracts to Brazilian defender Cris and France midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, club president Jean-Michel Aulas announced on Tuesday.

“Cris is going to, I hope, sign a new contract. We are going to offer him an extension of at least a year and a half, maybe two,” said Aulas.

“He will stay with us, I am sure. He still has a year (of his current contract) to run. He is the symbol of our strength, ambition and professionalism.”

“There will be a certain amount of discussion about the financial and performance elements to determine the length of his contract. The result will be positive. No other club in Europe can offer him what he has at Lyon today.”

Toulalan, a member of France’s disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa, is also in line for a new deal.

Lyon, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, have also made inquiries about another France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

Bordeaux have palmed off the approach, saying they are not interested in selling the playmaker to Lyon, and Aulas said there had been no development.

“For the moment, we are sticking with what Bordeaux have said. Everybody’s questions should be answered in August,” said Aulas.

Lyon finished second behind Marseille last season and qualify again for the Champions League.