Darcheville close to Valenciennes switch

Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville is in advanced talks with Valenciennes regarding a move to the French top-flight strugglers in the January transfer window.

The 33-year-old visited VA’s facilities and met club directors yesterday, with president Francis Decourriere hoping a deal can be struck soon.

“It would be a great reinforcement for us,” Decourriere told La Voix du Nord newspaper.

“I have a lot of hope for this,” added the VA chief, who admitted Darcheville was “enthusiastic about the idea of signing” for the northerners.

Valenciennes are languishing in Ligue 1’s relegation zone after a miserable first half of the season.

They have scored just 14 goals in 18 matches, and are in desperate need of an experienced goalscorer up front.

The powerful Darcheville joined Rangers from Bordeaux in 2007, having previously played for Rennes, Nottingham Forest and Lorient.

Injuries have hampered him this season, but he scored 12 goals in 30 league appearances for the Glasgow side last term.