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Lyon's Samuel Umtiti flattered by Tottenham link, prefers La Liga move

Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti says he is flattered that Tottenham Hotspur are tracking his progress but feels his style of play better suits La Liga.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told RMC last week that Umtiti, 22, was one of the players his scouting department are keeping a close eye on.

But rather than thinking about a move to North London, the left-sided centre-back says he is concentrating on Lyon's bid to finish second in Ligue 1.

"It's flattering," Umtiti, who scored a stunning goal against Spurs in a Europa League tie in 2013, told Telefoot of Pochettino's comments. "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 [at the end of the season] to know how to go forward on a personal level and with Lyon."

Umtiti has also recently been linked with a move to Barcelona and he says he has already spoken to former Lyon and Blaugrana defender Eric Abidal about his fondness of La Liga.

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

Pochettino said of Umtiti last week: "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. We have reports on several French players."