Lyon slap stunning asking price on Tottenham target Ndombele

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has rubbished claims Tanguy Ndombele is close to joining Tottenham after rejecting their opening bid.

Ndombele is free to leave Lyon this summer and it was thought Tottenham were on the verge of closing a deal worth €45m (£40.4m) for the 22-year-old.

Tottenham haven’t signed a player since January 2018, and while an announcement on Leeds teenager Jack Clarke is imminent, their wait for a big name player goes on.

Despite confirming Ndombele’s desire to leave the club, Aulas insists it will take an offer in the region of €80m (£72m) to prise the France international away.

“If I wait another eight days, it will be €80m,” Aulas told RMC. “Tottenham made us an opening offer worth €45m. Then, we discussed more. Nothing is done, I can assure you. We are not in a hurry either.

“Tanguy has shown his qualities with the French national team. He is one of our best players. How much is he worth? I do not know, but not just €45m.”

Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus have all been linked with a move for the 22-year-old at one point in the last few months but all three appear set on other midfield targets.

Of players who have attempted at least 100 dribbles in Ligue 1 since August 2017, Ndombele has the best success rate (75.1%).