Spurs talking with Ghezzal

TRANSFER TALK


Mercato 365 report that Tottenham Hotspur have begun talks with Lyon winger Rachid Ghezzai, who has called off talks with his French club over a 4-year contract extension that would make him among the clubs highest earners.

Tottenham are not his only suitors though, Liverpool, Everton, West Ham, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Turkish clubs are all in the frame for the 24-year-old (25 next May) Algerian winger as well. His deal with Lyon expires in the summer and his brother, Abdlekader, says he is becomming increasingly frustrated at the situation. Abdlekader revealed to news outlet Le Progrès that his brother is unhappy with how he has been teated and wants playing time guarantees.

"Quite simply, Rachid has not receiving playing time guarantees. And that is what we want. Say he signs an extension with a good financial increase, but why? When would he play?  
"We do not feel that Lyon are absolutely resolute in having Rachid as part of their footballing plan. That is what bothers us. And we are seeing this season, he has only started once or twice. In the system that Lyon are using, there is room for Nabil Fakir, but where do you put Rachid then?”

Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas, spoke to RMC back in August and revealed that Ghezzai had turned down the chance to join Everton.

RMC Question - What about Rachid Ghezzal? According to our information, he would have said no to Everton, who wanted to recruit him.

Jean-Michel Aulas Reply - It is in the case of a young player, brilliant, kind, intelligent, who managed half a season the wonderful last year and before a very high proposal Everton, a transfer that has been accepted and which is also interesting for the club, refused as it would have allowed him to multiply by 20 his earnings last year. What is needed now is extend. Rachid comes out of contract and can not prevent observers think he prefers to wait to be free next January rather than accept an offer of the OL, which is the level of international here. If he stays, I applaud with both hands. I'll call tomorrow. I'll try to convince him one last time. Gerard Houllier will also call tomorrow morning to give me a hand. It is very important that from the moment he believes that Lyon is best Everton, he accepts our proposal, which will allow him to move up.

The problem with West Ham and Everton for him is that they don't consistently play in European competition so they are at a considerable disadvantage as a result. According to French news outlet Le 10 Sport Everton are prepared to offer £11.28-million (€13m - AUS$18.54m - US$14m) in January.

His agent brother doesn't rule out a January exit and is talking with intersted parties which include ourselves. The left-footed French born Algerian generally plays on the right and has seven international caps to his name scoring one goal.