Hazard Voted French Player Of The Year

Exciting Lille midfielder Eden Hazard has been voted the French Player of the Year by his peers.

The 20-year-old Hazard, who has been the subject of much transfer speculation from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Spurs, was instrumental in Lille winning the double of the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France this season.

Hazard scored seven goals and created nine assists this season. He made his Lille debut as a 16-year-old and recently signed a new contract with the club until 2015.

Hazard had won the Young Player of the Year over the past two seasons. He won Sunday’s award ahead of teammate Moussa Sow – the league’s top scorer – Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Nene.

Wenger Keen On Lorient’s Manga

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is hoping to raid Lorient for a defender again this summer.

The Mirror believes Arsenal have scouted Lorient defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, 22.

Manga replaced Laurent Koscielny in the Lorient line-up when he signed for Arsenal last summer.

Wenger is eager to add a new centre-half to his squad this summer after a string of dissappoint defensive displays this season.

Lille Secure Ligue 1 Title

Lille last night secured their first Ligue 1 title in 56 years after a 2-2 draw away at PSG.

Lille got off to a great start when Ludovic Obraniak opened the scoring in the 4th minute, however PSG pegged them back just before half-time thanks to a goal from Guillaume Hoarau.

Lille’s task was made a little easier at the start of the second half when PSG goalscorer Hoarau was sent off. With 30 minutes remaining Lille took the lead after a goal from the leagues top goalscorer Moussa Sow.

However PSG who are still fighting for a place in next seasons Champions League fought back and levelled the game in the 73rd minute thanks to a goal from Mathieu Bodmer.

The game finished 2-2 which was enough to keep Lille six points clear of Marseille with just one game remaining. Marseile could only manage a 2-2 draw away at Valenciennes.

Lyon had the opportunity to seal 3rd place and a place in next seasons Champions League but only managed a goal-less draw at home to Caen which means that Lyon and PSG will fight it out on the last weekend of the season to claim a spot in Europe.

Lille Look To Put Pressure Back On Marseille

Lille are looking to put the pressure back on Ligue 1 leaders Marseille tonight when they host relegated Arles-Avignon. Marseille moved a point clear at the top of the table on Wednesday night thanks to a 4-2 win over OGC Nice. Despite finding themselves in second place with six games left, Lille manager Rudi Garcia insists his men will be fighting hard to secure their first league triumph since 1954.

“It was always going to be likely they went top, but what counts now is how we react,” Garcia said after his side lost the lead for the first time since December.

“Ultimately, we have to win all our matches. But there are six games left and we will have the chance to be leaders again.”

Arles have little to play for on Saturday, after they were condemned to a season in Ligue 2 on April 17 with a 1-0 loss at home to Valenciennes.

But Lille – who were held to a 1-1 draw at Lorient in their last league game – could be without Ligue 1′s top scorer Moussa Sow, who has tendonitis.

Marseille, meanwhile, can expect a tougher examination when they host Auxerre on Sunday.

In tonight’s other games, Lens need three points from their home clash with Lorient if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop, while fourth-placed Paris Saint Germain host Valenciennes, who are in 12th spot.

Jean Tigana’s Bordeaux side need a win from their trip to Stade Rennes if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive, while Sochaux take on Nancy looking to put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Joining Marseille and Auxerre in action on Sunday, 10th meets 11th when Montpellier play host to Brest, and Caen will hope to move out of the bottom three when they travel to OGC Nice.

Lyon, who are third, will hope to keep the pressure on the leading duo when they visit Toulouse, and Saint-Etienne host struggling Monaco in Sunday’s late game.

Adriano Extends Monaco Contract

Monaco’s Brazilian defender Adriano has signed a three-year extension to his contract.

Adriano’s contract was due to expire in June but the 29 year-old defender is now set to remain with the Principality club until 2014.

“I’ve been negotiating with the club for six weeks,” said Adriano.

“Despite interest from elsewhere I told my agent to try and make sure I stay at Monaco. I like it here and my family are settled. I’m very happy to be staying.”

Monaco are currently 15th in Ligue 1 and are not yet safe from relegation.