Feyenoord negotiate for Belgian midfielder Charles Vanhoutte

Feyenoord are negotiating with OGC Nice for the transfer of Belgian midfielder Charles Vanhoutte. The talks come after midfielder Sacha Tavolieri was also linked to the Dutch club. Vanhoutte, 27, previously played for Union St Gilloise and Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Pro League. He joined OGC Nice last summer after more than 100 appearances for Union and a league title win. In Ligue 1 he featured in 38 matches, scoring once and providing three assists. Sporting Director Devy Rigaux, who left Club Brugge to take over at Feyenoord, has already dismissed Robin van Persie. Feyenoord finished second in the Eredivisie under van Persie, while PSV claimed the championship. Rigaux is tasked with building a squad capable of challenging for the Dutch title next season. Ben Jackson of GBeNeFN reported the ongoing negotiations.