Auxerre want reinforcements

Saturday 24 December, 2005

Auxerre are keen to strengthen their squad to compensate for the losses of Oumar Kalabane, Gauthier Akalé and Benjani, all of whom will play in the African Cup of Nations.

The Ligue 1 high-flyers already have several key players injured, including right-back Bakary Sagna who has been ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.

Club President Jean-Claude Hamel confirmed that Coach Jacques Santini (pictured) has funds to bring in new blood. “There are two zones that need strengthening – the attack and the defence,” said Hamel.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Fabrice Pancrate is understood to be the club’s principal target.

Centre-back Oumar Kalabane will represent Guinea in Egypt next month, while attacking duo Benjani (Zimbabwe) and Akalé (Ivory Coast) will also be absent for around three weeks.