Jimmy Briand joins Guingamp on a free transfer

Former French international Jimmy Briand has agreed to join Ligue 1 side Guingamp on a free transfer from Hannover 96.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal after being released by the German club at the start of the summer.

According to L'Equipe, the former Lyon man was being coveted by both Lorient and former club Rennes but the forward was convinced by manager Jocelyn Gourvennec to join Guingamp.

Briand told the paper: "The coach showed me his confidence and desire to play me through the centre. Knowing that he knows me and he wanted me was decisive in my choice."

The striker has played over 250 games in Ligue 1 in spells with Rennes and Lyon, scoring 55 goals but has not made an appearance for the national side since a friendly in 2012. He managed 29 appearances for Hannover last season, scoring three goals and making six assists.