Wiltord to stay at Lyon

The 33-year-old former Arsenal and Bordeaux forward was widely expected to rejoin his first club after a massive fall-out with Lyon management but, despite Lyon giving his permission to talk to Rennes, Wiltord stalled and the Bretons called off the deal.

"After failing to reach an agreement with Rennes, [France] national team forward Sylvain Wiltord will stay at Lyon this season," Les Gones said on their website. "Sylvain Wiltord will not go back to the club where he started his professional career.

"He is staying at OL, with whom he is tied until June 30th, 2008."

Wiltord could now see out the remainder of his career at Stade Gerland but with new signing Kader Keita and France man Sidney Gouvou both able to play on the right flank, his first team opportunities will be limited.