Premier League outfit Southampton have joined Everton in targeting Thiago Mendes, who Ligue 1 giants Lyon very clearly want.
Southampton could be about to step up their interest in Lille playmaker Thiago Mendes after Lyon made their interest in the Brazilian public, according to La Voix du Nord.
Ligue 1 giants Lyon have agreed to sell star midfielder Tanguy Ndombele to Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record fee worth £65 million, according to Sky Sports, and replacing the multi-talented Frenchman is easier said than done.
Though club president Jean-Michel Aulas clearly believes pass-master Mendes is the right man for the job, admitting on Wednesday that the 2016 Olympic gold medallist has been lined up as Ndombele’s successor.
La Voix du Nord say that Lyon have already held talks with Lille, who finished second in the French top flight last season with Mendes starring in the centre, demanding £22.5 million.
Southampton are fully aware of this development however with The Saints expected to step up their interest and make an offer in the very near future.
Le10 Sport claimed earlier in the month that Everton made a bid for a player who has drawn comparisons with PSG superstar Marco Verratti for his superb passing range and excellent reading of the game.
So the challenge is set for Southampton.
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