Share

Umtiti flattered by Spurs interest

Cape Town - Olympique Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti admits it is flattering to be linked with Tottenham, but says no decision about his future will be made until the end of the season.

Umtiti has been a key part of OL's defence this season that has conceded the third least goals in Ligue 1 and helped them to second place in the standings with two games of the season remaining.

The 22-year-old's performances have caught the eye of several top clubs around Europe and even led Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino to publicly admit his interest in signing the defender.

"He's among the interesting players who have potential. He could come to the Premier League. He's among the players that our scouting department is following," the Argentine said last week.

Umtiti was gracious in his response, praising both Pochettino and the job he has done at Tottenham, but stated any discussions regarding his future would only take place once the current campaign had come to a conclusion.

"It's flattering," he told Telefoot. "He's a manager that I like. As well as that, his team are performing well. But beyond that, my aim really is to finish the season well.

"Like I've said several times, there will be discussions with my club to know how to go forward on a personal level and with Lyon."

The young defender also suggested that if he were to leave it would be for Spain rather than the Premier League.

"I watch all the leagues but I find that the Spanish league suits me a lot more in relation to my qualities," he concluded.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 946 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 465 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE