French Champs Coming Part

Just weeks after being named Ligue 1 champions for the first time since 1954, Lille is on the edge of loosing many key parts of their team this summer. Interest in key players for the French champions appear to be high and some players looking to move. This summer could go from jubilation to disappointment in the blink of an eye.

Lille manager Rudi Garcia has revealed that influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye is set to join Newcastle United. The signing of the French international is believed to be a good piece of business for Magpie manager Alan Pardew. Cabaye was allowed to leave Lille because of a 5 million Euro release clause in his contract that Newcastle took advantage of. Lille will definitely miss the midfielder who will be tough to replace.

Newcastle are also rumored to be interested in the French side's Ivorian winger Gervinho, who also tops Arsene Wenger's wish list for Arsenal and is targeted as well by Liverpool. With interest in the winger high, Garcia has stated that Gervinho is under contract and will be staying in France. Gervinho has stated his desire to play in the Champions League next season whether it is with Lille or with someone else, which would most likely mean Arsenal. He also said that he has already made his decision but will not announce his intentions until June 5th, following an African Cup of Nations qualifier. Lille's desire to hold onto the creative winger means it will take a large offer to pry him away.

Belgian youngster Eden Hazard has long been linked with a move to many top clubs and now at 20 years old this summer looks like a prime time for the playmaker to move to a top club. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted his interest in the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, but also stated that he would prefer to sign players already playing in the Premier League. Luckily for Lille, Hazard seems content in France with the chance of playing in the Champions League next season and Lille's new stadium. After a break out season for the extremely talented player, he now appears set to stay in France and continue to see his stock rise.

With Cabaye already on his way out and Gervinho only days away from announcing his decision, Lille fans can breath a sigh of relief with the news that Eden Hazard seems set to stay and midfielder Moussa Sow has confirmed that he will be staying. But with a long summer ahead many things can change and Hazard could be on his way out still. It was a good season for Lille, who captured the Ligue 1 title but could this be a rough summer for the team that would lead to a rough season in France and Europe?