Lille manager René Girard has distanced the club from reports at home and abroad linking them with striker John Utaka in the summer transfer window.

Earlier, there were speculations that the former Montpellier gaffer was keen on his former pupil.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Rene Gorard said: ''John Utaka? This is a great man. This is a Mister John. It is true that he is a great player and a player who could come and play for LOSC.

''But for now, he does not matter. There is Salomon Kalou and many other very good players still in place in Lille. For the moment the spots are already occupied.''

31 - year - old John Utaka technically became a free agent on Monday, July 1.

In reality, he has been linked with Besiktas and unnamed clubs in China and Qatar.

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