French Sources Report Olympiacos’ Firm Interest in Nice Midfielder

According to an update by Sport.fr via TransferFeed, Olympiacos have contacted OGC Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui's entourage over a possible transfer during the winter window. 

The recent reports from France add weight to the earlier news from Greek media sources, which revealed that Nice are ready to part ways with the player in exchange for 5 million euros in transfer fees. Boudaoui has an annual salary of 290,000 euros. The Red and Whites want to capitalise on the Algerian international's unsettled nature at Nice due to a lack of game time, and they will convince him to join the Piraeus club soon. 

The French report confirms that Nice have maintained their position, seeking 5 million euros to complete the transfer with Olympiacos. The 27-year-old's contract with Nice ends next summer, and the club does not want to lose him for free. They know it will be tough to hold on to him, as his situation cannot be changed. 

Nice and Boudaoui have not had any meetings for any kind of assurances in game time lately, and the door remains open for him to depart during the winter transfer window. The new sporting director of Olympiacos, Antonio Cordón, has had the player on his list for a while, and it is about time for the side to act on it. 

Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis had already cleared funds earlier in the summer for head coach Imanol Alguacil to bring in reinforcements after a busy transfer window. While the Greek giants brought a host of new faces to their side, it is important to note that several long-term key players also left the club. Furthermore, the injury to Ayoub El Kaabi has necessitated the potential arrival of a striker to deputise for Armando 'Hormiga' Gonzalez. 

As per a previous report on Olympiacos Roundtable, midfielder Santiago Hezze is being quoted by Marseille. The French team was particularly impressed by the Argentine's performance against them in the UEFA Europa League fixture. They had spent days scouting him to assess a possible signing, and their interest became definite after watching him live at the Stade Velodrome. 

Hezze is also a name under LaLiga outfit Villarreal's shortlist. However, neither Villarreal nor Marseille have started negotiations with Olympiacos for the player. The Piraeus side expect a sizeable offer for the midfielder since he has been influential in recent years for the club's domestic triumphs as well as European accolades.