Monday, June 16 – 2003
Liverpool’s bid to sign Auxerre defender Jean-Alain Boumsong appears has suffered a blow. Boumsong, who is with the French national team preparing for thus week’s Confederations Cup, refused to give the go-ahead to the move.
He admitted there had been contact with the Anfield club, but admitted there had also been talks with Marseille.
He also pointed out that other clubs were interested in signing him, though in the end he may decide to stay in Burgundy.
The Cameroon-born defender told French sports paper L’Equipe: “I would be lying if I said I had not had contact, notably with Marseille and Liverpool.
“But perhaps I won’t be going there. You can have hundreds of contacts but with no transfer at the end.”
Asked if he would still be with the French Cup winners next year, Boumsong, 23, replied: “I will start pre-season training with Auxerre if necessary. I am not staying by my phone, but things can change.”
Auxerre coach Guy Roux has asid he may quit if he is forced to off-load his star players.
(Daily Star, 16-06-2003)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 