Integral Watford man becomes target for French club, as ‘extensive talks’ held over move

French club Lyon are targeting Moussa Sissoko and have held ‘extensive talks’ over signing the Watford star, according to a report.

Sissoko spent three years at Newcastle United, making 133 appearances for the club, before joining Tottenham in August 2016. The central midfielder went on to appear in over 200 games for the north London outfit, helping them to finish second in the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

Sissoko left Spurs in the summer as Watford paid around £2.5million for his signature. He is now the Hornets’ captain and starts regularly – despite them changing managers often.

The France international arrived to help Watford avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight. However, they face a huge task to stay up with five games left.

Roy Hodgson’s men sit 19th, with just 22 points. They have lost their last four league matches and need a huge turnaround in form to overtake the likes of Everton, Burnley and Leeds.

Sissoko’s contract at Vicarage Road lasts until June 2023. However, the 32-year-old could end up securing a transfer elsewhere if they suffer relegation.

And Lyon are on hand to snap him up in a cut-price deal. French newspaper L’Equipe claim the Ligue 1 outfit are ‘looking to strengthen’ their squad this summer.

They have completed scouts reports on several players and Sissoko is one of them.

As such, they have held ‘extensive talks’ with Sissoko’s agent over a move to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium.

Lyon know they can capture the midfielder for a small fee if Watford’s relegation to the second tier is confirmed.

Club chief Bruno Cheyrou is certain of his ability but just needs to convince other officials before a pursuit can officially go ahead.

The report