City hit back in Helan row
Manchester City claim innocence in Fifa 'tapping up' row with Rennes
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By Darren Plant.
Manchester City have insisted they signed French defender Jeremy Helan 'within the rules' after Rennes claimed they encouraged him to breach his contract.
Rennes technical director Pierre Dreossi had claimed that City had committed an offence 'more serious' than Chelsea's signing of Gael Kakuta, which led to an 18-month transfer ban for the west Londoners, but the Eastlands outfit believe they have done nothing wrong.
A club statement reads: "Manchester City is aware of the ongoing contractual dispute in the French labour courts between Jeremy Helan and Stade Rennais.
"The dispute between the player and the club pre-dates any interest from Manchester City.
"Manchester City cannot comment on the case until the French judicial process has run its course.
"However, we are comfortable that we have acted within the rules throughout the process and in no way induced any breach of contract by Jeremy Helan."
Rennes had earlier confirmed they had reported the signing to Fifa, believing Manchester City had induced Helan to breach his contract.
Rennes technical director Pierre Dreossi said: "We have referred this issue to Fifa.
"For us, it was strange to have no discussion from City and now - in the week after the Fifa declaration on Chelsea - I would hope that it will be the same thing for Manchester City.
"Kakuta signed up for just a possibility of a full contract. For Helan, there was definitely one there under the terms of the pre-contract agreement because he had played for his country.
"Manchester City must now realise the consequences of their attitude in the Helan case as it is even more illegal than Kakuta."
Meanwhile, Manchester United have threatened Le Harve with legal action, if the French club's president Jean-Pierre Louvel persists with allegations regarding another youngster, Paul Pogba.
Louvel has invited Fifa to investigate the transfer of the player to United's academy, claiming payments were offered to Pogba's parents, but United have rejected the claims.
A club statement said: "In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC president Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wishes to categorically confirm it does not offer inducements to the parents of players that sign for the club, such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses.
"Manchester United have written to Le Harve to put in notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated."