Makoun to leave Lille

Jean II Makoun has admitted he is likely to be leaving Lille at the end of the season. Arsenal and Tottenham are both interested in landing the talented holding midfielder, for a fee estimated to be £7 million.

"I have experienced everything with that club (Lille), and I had a wonderful coach (Claude Puel)," he told L'Equipe.

"We played in the Champions League twice but it is the right moment to leave. I didn't talk about it with Claude Puel, but my managers have talked with the club.

"The coach was a player, he can understand my decision. It is important for me to improve.

"People talked a lot about Lyon and it is a club I appreciate a lot. Of course, any player would be very happy to join them.

"But there is abroad too. When people tell me great clubs are attracted to me, it is fun.

"Experiencing another kind of pressure would be great. I am very motivated to make a name for myself at a great club. I am keen for such a challenge."