Eric Abidal was shopping in France for a new left-back before his sacking by Barcelona.
The former Barca sporting director lost his job earlier this summer after the dismissal of coach Quique Setien.
L'Equipe says among his last assignments in the post was to find a new left-back signing for the Catalans, with his search focused on the French transfer market.
Angers youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri was on Abidal's shopping list - and remains for his replacement Ramon Planes.
However, Abidal was also keen on Rennes wing-back Faitout Maouassa as a plan B. Maouassa has just come off a career best campaign with Rennes, helping them to Champions League qualification for the coming season.
