On the verge of probably becoming the most expensive defender and Englishman of all time (so far), Kyle Walker is going to need to be replaced at Tottenham.

Taking his starting spot will be Kieran Trippier, who already showed last season he was ready to supplant the 27-year-old, but there might be a need for someone experienced enough to provide adequate backup were he to get injured.

One of the names on their list, according to L’Equipe, was former Manchester United right-back Rafael, currently contracted to Lyon in France.

Bilel Ghazi took to twitter with the news soon after the announcement that Walker was set to join Manchester City and revealed that Spurs had targeted the Brazilian, but that the Ligue 1 side had ‘firmly rejected’ their offer around two weeks ago.

Pour l’anecdote, Tottenham avait fait de Rafael (OL) l’une de ses cibles pour remplacer Kyle Walker. Mais Lyon a fermement repoussé l’offre — Bilel Ghazi (@BilelGhazi) July 13, 2017

You can see why Mauricio Pochettino targeted the ex-Premier League defender, having made 109 appearances in England’s top flight during his time at Old Trafford, but with their only other option being 33-year-old Christophe Jallet at the time (they since signed Kenny Tete), you can see why Lyon would want to keep hold of him.

Leaving England for France back in 2015, Rafael made 41 appearances in all competitions last season, picking up six assists along the way.