Lille snap up Gervinho

21 July 2009 18:45

Le Mans attacking midfielder Gervinho, seen here in 2008, has moved to Lille, the north France club said on Tuesday.

PARIS (AFP) - Le Mans attacking midfielder Gervinho has moved to Lille, the north France club said on Tuesday.

The Ivory Coast international's transfer is said to have cost Lille about 6 million euros (8.5 million dollars).

The 22-year-old spent two years at Le Mans, scoring nine goals in 59 appearances.

Lille said Gervinho, whose full name is Gervais Yao Kouassi, had accepted a three-year contract. The move by Lille manager Rudi Garcia helps fill the gap left by the 18-million euro sale earlier this month of Brazilian playmaker Michel Bastos to Lyon.