The Ligue 1 champions are fighting to hold onto their star performer following strong interest from several top European clubs in the Frenchman
La Paillade surprised everyone last season by becoming the champions of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 for the first time in the club’s history.
Without many high-profile players in their ranks, Montpellier managed to beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC Lille, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 to the title.
Several young players were influential in Montpellier’s title-winning campaign last season. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Younes Belhanda and Olivier Giroud were the notable ones who guided La Paillade to their maiden Ligue 1 title.
Montpellier’s top scorer from last season, Olivier Giroud has already left the French club for Arsenal. Younes Belhanda has however, pledged his future to the club and now the Ligue 1 outfit is hoping for the same from their captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and are willing to offer him an improved contract to stay at the Mosson.
Yanga-Mbiwa was influential in his side’s success last season and string of excellent performances by the youngster has attracted a lot of interest from a host of top European clubs with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 and Manchester United reportedly interested in the player.
The player has also shown an interest in a move to the Premier League but conceded that he is likely to stay at Stade de la Mosson for at least another season.
"To play for Manchester United would be a great satisfaction and a dream which could become reality," Yanga-Mbiwa told reporters.
However Manchester United have pulled a plug on any possible deal for the Frenchman and player has declared his desire to stay with the French club, as he wants to help his side in their maiden Champions League campaign.
Reports suggest that the 23-year-old defender is set to stay at Mosson for the upcoming season. However, a concrete offer from a top European club would surely test Montpelier’s resolve to hold onto their star player.
Montpellier will face http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toulouse-FC-c40751 in their opening fixture of the next season and the French club would be hoping for nothing but a victory as they seek to defend their title.
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