Spurs have reportedly told Rennes they are willing to pay £9.5million for the France international, as Andre Villas-Boas looks to add to his central midfield options.
Rennes chairman Frederic de Saint-Serni, speaking after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Lyon yesterday, said: ‘ He has a concrete offer from England.’
M’Vila played the full 90 minutes but Lyon were without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, fuelling reports that he could also be set to join Spurs.
‘I am happy. I’m not complaining and I’m playing. As long as I’m at Rennes, I will be available to the manager,’ said M’Vila.
‘I’m not getting worked up over that [transfer speculation]. I could very well spend one more season [at Rennes].’
Tottenham’s transfer plans have been held up by the stalemate over the fee for Luka Modric’s proposed move to Real Madrid.
The White Hart Lane club have been unable to press ahead with spending the cash from the sale of the Croatian, who they value at £40million, but have made enquiries about a possible replacement.
M’Vila is apparently the man club officials have made their top target, after they discovered Villas-Boas’ preferred choice, Porto’s Joao Moutinho, would cost more than £20million.
Spurs have now opened talks with Rennes and suggested a fee of £9.5million for the 22-year-old, reports the Sunday Times.
News of Tottenham’s move for the France international – who prefers to play in a more defensive role than Modric – comes after Arsenal decided against pursuing their interest in him.
M’Vila was expected to move to the Emirates Stadium as soon as the transfer window opened, after reports in the French press claimed a fee had been agreed.
It is believed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger pulled the plug on the deal after becoming concerned about the player’s off-field behaviour.
