Le Tallec loaned to Sochaux

French Under-21 international forward Anthony Le Tallec has been loaned to FC Sochaux-Montbéliard for the rest of the season with the option of a permanent move from Liverpool FC.

Previous loans
The 21-year-old, voted second best player of the tournament behind his cousin Florent Sinama-Pongolle in helping France win the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Cup, joined Liverpool the following year from Le Havre AC but has not gained a regular first-team place at Anfield. He spent 2004/05 back in France on loan with AS Saint-Etienne and last season was at Sunderland AFC but could not prevent their relegation from the Premiership.

Homecoming
Le Tallec, part of France's squad at this summer's UEFA European U21 Championship, said: "I have chosen Sochaux even through I had offers from England, Germany and Spain. But my main aim was to come back to France." Sochaux have picked up five points from their opening three Ligue 1 matches.