TBR View: Why Villas-Boas decision could be the key to Tottenham signing midfielder

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez this summer – but it could be a decision made by Andre Villas-Boas that helps Spurs get a deal for the French ace over the line.

The Daily Star claim both Tottenham and West Ham have been offered 22-year-old Lopez, who has already clocked up 13 Francer Under-21 caps and is a regular under Villas-Boas at Marseille.

Indeed, Lopez has played 146 times in all competitions for the French outfit, many of which have come under Villas-Boas. But the Portuguese manager may be about to help Tottenham’s – and perhaps West Ham – in their pursuit.

Not only have talks stalled over a new deal for Lopez, meaning his contract expires in the summer of 2021, but Spurs can also sign Lopez for a bargain £10million. But Villas-Boas’ decision in October puts the final nail in the coffin.

Indeed, that decision was to drop Lopez from the starting line-up – when he had previously been one of the first names on the team sheet. Lopez had started nine of Marseille’s opening 11 Ligue 1 games, before being hooked at half-time against PSG.

Since the 4-0 defeat to PSG in October, Lopez has started four league games out of a possible 17 – and three of those starts have come in his less favoured position of right midfield. It is likely to leave Lopez disillusioned.

Not only has he had a breakdown in talks, but while Villas-Boas is in charge, surely Lopez will be desperate to secure a move in the summer – and that may see Villas-Boas inadvertently help his old side sign Lopez.