Football News
French veteran alerts trio after contract termination
Former Leeds United and Everton midfielder Olivier Dacourt is available on a free transfer after the Frenchman left Belgian club Standard Liege by ‘mutual consent.’ It is thought that Fulham and West Ham United are possible destinations for free agent Dacourt, while a number of Leeds United fans are calling for Dacourt to make a sensational return to Elland Road.
Dacourt has developed the reputation as a journeyman after representing 8 clubs in 12 years after beginning his career at Strasbourg, before stints at Everton, RC Lens, Leeds United, Roma, Inter Milan, Fulham and Standard Liege.
The Frenchman was signed by the Belgian giants as cover for their star man Steven Defour, however, due to a lack of first team football Dacourt was eager to terminate his contract in order to find a new club to finish the current campaign.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is a big admirer of Olivier Dacourt and could be tempted to re-sign the centre midfielder who he brought to the club on-loan last year, where the French combative midfielder made nine appearances.
However cash strapped West Ham United could also be another destination for Dacourt with boss Gianfranco Zola still considering options to add numbers to his squad. Hammer’s boss Zola is feeling the pressure with West Ham currently in 18th position one point behind Bolton Wanderers.
However, Leeds United fans have reportedly made a plea for Dacourt to return to his old stomping ground and help the Yorkshire club into the Championship. Dacourt was signed by former manager David O’Leary and played 57 times for the Elland Road outfit scoring on three occasions. The fans of Leeds United have never forgotten the tenacious Dacourt with the ‘general’ gaining cult status. It is believed that Dacourt once stated that he would like to finish his playing days at the Yorkshire club.