5 EPL sides linked with Nancy full-back

The January transfer window is open and transfer speculation is now in full motion and the latest player caught in this whirlwind is A S Nancy’s left full-back Massadio Haidara.

Haidara, in French circles, is known as a bit of a wonderkid and that is evident from the fact that he has represented France at various youth levels and it is only a matter of time before he goes on to represent Les Blues.

Described as a fast, technical and rugged left-back, he is exactly the type of signing that Newcastle needs and if you believe the French experts, then Haidara is an excellent prospect. Aged 20, the scope for improvement and moulding him into a finished article is immense. Haidara was also named as one of the ‘’best hopes’’ for the 2012-13 season by a French football magazine.

Haidara started his career at Versailles 78, staying at the club for two years from 2004-2006. He then moved to AC Boulogne-Billancourt where again he remained for two seasons.  He signed for AS Nancy at the age of 15 and quickly became a rising star of the club’s youth system. Haidara made his Nancy debut in 2010 before signing his professional contract in 2011. This season Haidara has made 15 appearances for the club and has been a stand out for the team that currently props up the Ligue 1 table and is currently manager-less.

As things stand, Haidara is currently being pursued by 5 Premier League teams believed to be Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham United. Also amongst the admirers are the Italian giants Fiorentina. In fact, Aston Villa nearly signed him last year before the move fell through after Alex McLeish was sacked by the Midlands club.

We think he could be one of the better signings that any club in any league can make; he can also play on the left side of midfield which we all know is something that every manager desires. The competition, as one can see, for the player will be tough and we would not be too surprised if some of the big boys also come in for him.

It is widely understood that a fee of around €3m will entice A S Nancy to do business.