Lens re-ignite interest in Jean Butez as Brice Samba nears exit | OneFootball

RC Lens will be forced into the transfer market in order to find a replacement for Brice Samba (30) next month. As per L’Équipe, the France international is close to making a switch to Ligue 1 rivals Stade Rennais. Needing to raise funds in January, there is little that Lens can do to prevent the goalkeeper’s departure.

However, Samba will need replacing. Hervé Koffi was brought in in the summer with the idea of potentially replacing Samba. Whilst he still may, Lens may also dip into the market. A move for Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir (28) has been touted by L’Équipe, however, there are other names on the shortlist.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, one of those names is Royal Antwerp’s Jean Butez (29). The Frenchman, who came through the ranks at local rivals Lille OSC was a target in the summer before Samba ultimately remained with the club. However, their interest in Butez has been re-ignited.

The Frenchman had been in advanced talks with Como, however, there are now fresh talks between Lens and Antwerp in order to sound out the possibility of a deal this January.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle