Zinedine Zidane has instructed Real Madrid to pursue a deal for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele this summer, report El Confidencial.
The Frenchman has starred for the French giants since joining from Amiens in 2017 with his fine form recognised by his first full international caps for the France national team.
This season, the 22-year-old has represented Lyon in 25 matches in Ligue 1 and eight in the Champions League while he has been linked to both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
“I don't imagine how my career will go, I live it instead,” Ndombele told Canal Football Club back in December.
“When I was young I didn't dream of being in this or that club [like PSG], whether it is Real Madrid, Barcelona, City, I have never dreamed of being in a specific club like that.”
He is primarily a deep-lying ‘pivot’ midfielder and had previously been linked to Barcelona, who have already got a move lined up for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Ndombele’s contract at Lyon runs through until 2023 and the French club would be reluctant to sell for less than €80m.
He is seen to be an affordable alternative to Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who could cost double that fee.
