Man Utd could now cost Tottenham £15m target as agent talks held

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Manchester United could now cost Tottenham Hotspur a chance to sign Pervis Estupinan, as Lyon have turned their interest to the Villarreal ace after missing out on Tyrell Malacia.

That’s according to Foot Mercato, who report Lyon are in talks with Estupinan’s agent as the Ligue 1 side move on from Malacia. Les Gones had hoped to buy the 22-year-old from Feyenoord, but have now seen the left-back join the Red Devils for £13m – rising to £15m.

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Lyon appreciated what Malacia could offer at the Groupama Stadium with Emerson back at his parent club Chelsea. Chief scout Bruno Cheyrou deemed the Feyenoord product to be the ideal replacement, and has now identified Estupinan as one of several alternatives.

Lyon hold Estupinan agent talks against Tottenham interest in Villarreal ace

Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico and Benfica dynamo Alex Grimaldo now feature on Cheyrou’s shortlist of left-backs. But Lyon are very hot on Estupinan and have held talks with the 24-year-old’s agent over leaving Villarreal this summer – yet so have Ligue 1 rivals OGC Nice.

Both Lyon and Nice know Estupinan’s profile perfectly, with the Ecuador international the typical modern day full-back. He also held a key role in Unai Emery’s plans last season with 40 appearances, including in 10 Champions League ties with both quarter- and semi-finals.

Lyon advancing their interest in Estupinan now Manchester United have won the race for Malacia could frustrate Tottenham, as well. Marca had reported in June that Spurs were in talks with the £15m former Watford defender’s agent over a return to the Premier League.

Tottenham stepped up their interest in Estupinan as Villarreal are prepared to sacrifice the 26-cap ace to raise funds. The Estadio de la Ceramica natives see his run in the Champions League as their sign to cash in, and may even exchange Estupinan with Giovanni Lo Celso.

But with Lyon now showing heightened interest in a deal with Villarreal for Estupinan this summer, Manchester United signing Malacia could well cost Tottenham a possible target.