Real Madrid Lassana Diarra is reportedly on the brink of leaving the Spanish giants.

Manager Jose Mourinho opted against included the French international, along with team mates Pedro Leon and Royston Drenthe, in the clubs tour of America.

This has alerted Tottenham who have been credited with a long-term interest in the former Chelsea and Arsenal player.

Manager Harry Redknapp knows Diarra well from his Portsmouth playing days but were put off by Madrid’s asking price, reportedly £18m.

However, following the acquisitions of Nuri Sahin, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane, Los Blancos are looking to re-coup some of the funds spent on the trio.

That could see Diarra, 26, available at a cut-price as Spurs look to rebuild a squad capable of re-breaking the top four.

Premier League champions Manchester United also held an interest in Diarra but have reportedly switched their attentions to Toulouse’s Moussa Sissoko.