Le Mans attacking midfielder Gervinho has moved to Lille, the north France club said on Tuesday. The Ivorian international's transfer is said to have cost Lille about €6 million (8.5 million USD).

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. "In welcoming Gervinho, a top-class acquisition in attack, the club continues its growth and takes a new step towards its European ambitions," read a club statement.

The move by Lille manager Rudi Garcia helps fill the gap left by the €18-million sale earlier this month of Brazilian playmaker Michel Bastos to Lyon.