Monaco boss confirms Anelka interest

Monaco sporting director Henri Biancheri has admitted his club are still interested in signing Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka.

The club is looking for a loan deal to replace the departed Fernando Morientes, who spent last season with them on a similar arrangement from Real Madrid.

Biancheri has ruled out a loan move for Barcelona striker Javier Saviola unless the Nou Camp club pay most of the Argentina international’s wages.

“We are studying the option to take Saviola but there are also other players like Nicolas Anelka,” he said.

“We cannot pay his (Saviola’s) full wage because as everyone knows Monaco has serious economic problems.

“Last season Fernando Morientes was loaned to us practically free because Real Madrid paid his salary.”