Tottenham Hotspur 'hold informal talks with Lyon's Houssem Aouar'

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held informal talks with the representatives of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move to Spurs' bitter rivals Arsenal, who instead chose to move for Real Madrid's Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal.

As a result, Spurs are now thought to be at the head of the queue for Aouar's signature, with the Frenchman into the final two years of his deal with Les Gones.

According to Sky Sports News, informal talks between Spurs and Aouar's entourage have now taken place, but the midfielder is likely to hold out for a move to a Champions League club.

The report adds that Aouar is not against staying at Lyon for one more season before weighing up his options in 2022, with Juventus also thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

The one-cap France international boasts 32 goals and 32 assists from 173 games in a Lyon shirt and set up Lucas Paqueta's goal in the weekend's 3-3 draw with Clermont in Ligue 1.