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Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has taken another twist after the French club's president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted the player has asked to leave.

Spurs have been looking to tie up a deal for the 22-year-old France international but are up against a number of big sides for his signature as they try to agree a fee with Lyon.

It is believed that Ndombele, who is currently on his holidays, favours a move to Tottenham where he will play regularly under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lyon announced on Tuesday that they have signed Flamengo's Jean Lucas, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder, with Aulas having previously said that when the club signed such a player it meant Ndombele was likely to go.

Now Aulas has admitted, while presenting Lucas to the media, that Ndombele wants to leave.

"It would have to be very substantial offers to advance with Tanguy, who would prefer to leave," Aulas is reported as saying in the press conference.

"If he left - which isn't the case today - we would look to recruit someone with experience. For the moment nothing has happened, but the door is ajar.

"If Ndombele left, we have players to target and Thiago Mendes is one of them. Ndombele is pragmatic - he hasn't said "I must leave tomorrow". He is being chased by big clubs and when they come you have to listen. I haven't spoken to him since his international duty.

"No, there is no end date for Ndombele is leave. I shouldn't say it, but we don't need to raise money before 30 June when we have to present our accounts. If he wants to stay, he's very welcome."

Tottenham fans will be hoping that chairman Daniel Levy can get the transfer over the line for one of Europe's most highly rated young midfielders.

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