Le Havre have revealed that they rejected an offer from Marseille to sign Carlos Kameni on loan. Marseille are on the look-out for a new goalkeeper after an injury to Cedric Carasso and enquired about taking Kameni on loan at The Stade Velodrome.
Le Havre chairman Jean-Pierre Louvel admitted the club were only willing to sell Kameni rather than loan him and that a number of English clubs were still tracking him.
Kameni saw a summer move to Wolves fall through at the last minute due to work permit trouble and they could come back in for him when the transfer window reopens in January.
Le Havre’s £2.5 million valuation of Kameni is believed to have scared off Marseille, but Louvel feels the young keeper is worth the price.
« L’OM wanted a loan without option. We want a transfer, » said Louvel.
« It is a plausible fee. It is a discussion number.
« Carlos is an international and Olympic champion. The price was set considering several parameters.
« Of that fee, we will get more than half of the sum. The player will get a profit-sharing, like his country. »
Meanwhile, Kameni has revealed his disappointment at his lack of first-team chances at the club.
The 19-year-old, has made just one appearance this season and he is growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities.
« Since the start of the season, I have just played one official encounter, in the League Cup against Nimes, » Kameni told L’Equipe.
« It was my first match with the first team as even at St-Etienne, where I was loaned last season, I never played. It is just like that.
« When I saw the club extended Alexander Vencel’s contract, I understood I would be behind him. Now I am used to that. I am convinced I will get my chance one day.
« For the next three matches of Ligue 2, I will be on the bench. So I will work hard as I must be ready if they call me.
« Anyway the, African Nations Cup will start soon, and there, I will play.
« This summer Le Havre agreed to loan me, but the officials finally changed their mind. »
By Patrick Haond
