<p><strong>The Cape Verde international has expressed his desire to leave Le Havre in the current transfer window and has his heart set on a move to Les Dogues</strong></p>
<p>The 22-year-old has told the club president that he intends to leave Les Ciel et Marine before the start of the next season with Lille keen to secure the signature of the striker.</p>
<p>Les Dogues are in the market as they seek to reinforce their strike-force following the departure of Eden Hazard. The Belgium international was sold to Champions League winners Chelsea earlier in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of 40 million
Euros.</p>
<p>Lille have already attained the services of highly-rated France international Marvin Martin from Sochaux and Cote d'Ivoire winger Salomon Kalou.</p>
<p>Ryan Mendes, who is keen to secure a move to the 2010/2011 Ligue champions, has attracted a lot of interest from a host of sides in recent times. Portuguese club Benfica and English club Portsmouth are reportedly interested in the player along with Ligue
1 sides Lille and Marseille.</p>
<p>However, the22-year-old, who began his career at Batuque, has set his sights on a move to Les Dogues.</p>
<p>While talking to reporters, the Cape Verde international stated that despite his affection for Le Havre, he wants a new challenge in his career.</p>
<p>"I spent many happy years at Le Havre, but today I want something else,” Mendes told reporters.</p>
<p>Dismissing the idea of seeking a move abroad, the striker stated that he wishes to stay in France with Lille as his preferred destination. Mendes revealed that he has already talked to the club president and has told him about his decision.</p>
<p>"I talked to my president and I told him I want to go to Lille. Lille is my priority," the 22-year-old added.</p>
<p>Ryan Mendes, who joined Le Havre in 2008, managed to make 97 appearances for the French club. The wantaway striker scored 19 goals during his four-year stay with the Ligue 2 outfit.</p>
<p>Lille will kick-start their 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign on August 11, when they face AS Saint-Etienne and coach Rudi Garcia would be hoping to conclude a deal for Mendes before that in order to get his side’s preparations on track for the next season.</p>
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